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Rev. Edward S. Phillips. 



A REVIEW 



OF THE 



LIFE AND LABORS 

FOR HUMANITY 



OF 



Rev. Edward S. Phillips, 

AS MADE BY A PERSONAL WITNESS OF THE 
PRINCIPAL EVENTS IN HIS HISTORY, 

BY 

WILLIAM JOYCE, 

SPECIAL PRESS AGENT AND EDITORIAL 
WRITER DURING THE ANTHRACITE 
LABOR TROUBLES OF 
1900-1901. 



<UNipNf-&/lLABtl,> 



POTTSVILLE, PA. : 
CHRONICLE BOOK ROOMS. 



V 



ris4 



THE LIBRARY OF 

CONGRESS, 
Two Copfts Received 

AUG. 6 1901 

COPVRlGMT ENTH» 

CLASS Q-'XXc. No. 
COPY 3. 



COPYRIGHT, 1901, 

8V 

WILLIAM JOYCE. 



fnttobuction. 

To review the life of any man is a difficult task. This 
is particularly true in the case of Rev. Edward S. Phillips, 
For a number of years prior to his death he had been 
prominently before the public, and the praise of a grateful 
and admiring people was bestowed upon him in such 
measure as to appear at times fulsome. But this general 
recognition of his sacrifices and his admitted devotion to 
the welfare of mankind was not attained without trials — 
exciting jealousy, opposition and criticism. 

Father Phillips had a creative genius that was ever on 
the alert for building, improving, planning and seeking 
avenues of exercise. The affairs of the coal miners he 
made his own when danger threatened their happiness. 
Their difficulties he shared and, while he suffered censure, 
as all energetic men must where public questions are in- 
volved, his interference was born of that devotion to so- 
ciety and to God which is conceived and pursued only by 
the patriots and martyrs of an age. 

In th€ miners' strike he attained a prominence that in 
its import was prodigious. The proper treatment of 
such an important problem needed not only tact and di- 
plomacy, but also careful study; that to be complete and 
thorough required years of exertion. There were periods 
during that struggle when the good priest despaired, but 

3 



LIFE OF FATHER PHILLIPS. 



the spirit of progressiveness and the strength given by an 
abiding faith in Him who does all things best brought so- 
lace and comfort. 

During the more recent controversy between capital 
and labor lie appeared more prominently than ever be- 
fore. His work in that connection was not for the halo 
which a fitful public casts upon the author of a worthy 
achievement. His thought was only of those whom he 
wished to benefit — society at large. He sought not the 
credit for what was accomplished, but with a modesty 
that proclaimed his greatness he gave all credit to his as- 
sociates. 

His aim was to do nothing partial or to favor one at 
the expense of pain to another. He knew full well that 
the precipitation of a second strike at the coal mines 
would have brought distress and misery to all classes, re- 
gardless of station. To avert this was the task he under- 
took voluntarily. It was a noble purpose he had in view, 
and to this end he carried it with quiet dignity and suc- 
cess. 

It was the writer's privilege to be on intimate terms 
with Father Phillips, and to share to a degree his confi- 
dence during the trying times of the coal miners' strike, 
and later when he was arranging to meet J. P. Morgan on 
behalf of the miners. In both instances he had but a 
single aim, and that was to do something which would 
benefit the public at large. He held that it was every 
man's duty to exercise whatever influence he commanded 
at any time that he might be able to do some good for 
others. 

4 



INTRODUCTION. 



He was a man of broad views, making the cause of hu- 
manity his own. Naturally, his greatest efforts were ex- 
tended in behalf of his own people or those of his congre- 
gation. They always claimed his attention, and no mat- 
ter how pressing a prior engagement might be, he never 
closed his ears to an appeal from that source. But, as 
in the case of the Irish race, while in his breast there burn- 
ed an affection for Ireland and her sons that was strong 
and fervid, and while for the children of his charge he 
was ever solicitous, humanity as a whole always found 
in him an ardent and able advocate. 

The writer disclaims any purpose of producing a pre- 
tentious work, but rather to supply a simple review of 
the career into which was crowded an amount of labor 
on behalf of society seldom equalled by men with sucH 
limited financial means, and whose position was not fa- 
vorable to activity in public affairs. His resources were 
comparatively meagre ; and yet this fact did not seem to 
materially interfere with the success of projects under- 
taken. 

He made no pretentions of being eloquent as an orator 
or to appear as a polished speaker, and there were many 
who excelled in eloquence and diction. But his manner 
was magnetic. He was earnest and enthusiastic, and 
whether addressing a caller in his study or a congregation 
from the pulpit he transmitted the fire of his convictions, 
conveyed in the most impressive way his ideas, and com- 
pelled sympathetic attention. In making an address in 
public his disposition towards the dramatic was at times 
pronounced. While he very rarely wrote out a sermon 

5 



LIFE OF FATHER PHILLIPS. 



or an address, the discourse would be none the less in- 
structive. He had that quahty which enables a speaker 
to strike right at the kernel of his subject without appear- 
ing abrupt or destroying the effect. At such times his 
eyes, which were unusually large and set prominently, 
lighted up with a peculiar brilliancy; his manner became 
surcharged, and there seemed to flow through his veins a 
current as strange and powerful as the electric fluid it- 
self. But it was as an extemporaneous speaker that 
he excelled. A happy disposition, unfailing humor and 
a fund of wit that frequently scintillated, enabled him to 
meet an}^ emergency in social intercoiirse. The traits 
peculiar to the Celt were in him personified, making him 
a sharp and ingenious controvertist. 

His voice was pleasant and had a metallic ring that 
excited sympathy. He had a tendency to drawl in pro- 
nunciation which attracted rather than repelled. This 
peculiarity was more likely to be noticed when speaking 
casually than when making a formal address. 

His personality was engaging. His honest, open and 
frank expression would disarm the most captious. Al- 
though he was subject to stomach trouble, which some- 
times made his complexion appear florid and his look 
severe, he rarely complained and never permitted physical 
Aveakness to cloud his sunny disposition. 

His manner was simple, though even in his home life 
he maintained a degree of formality that might be re- 
garded by a visitor as austere. Fevv^ priests better ap- 
preciated the grandeur and solemnity of special church 
ser\'ices, and which can be seen nowhere outside of the 



INTRODUCTION. 



Catholic church, and fewer still could discharge the func- 
tions with such grace and impressiveness. 

His efforts in behalf of humanity were lofty, sincere, 
and effective. He was brave in adversity, had a strong 
faith in human character, was wise in his ministrations, 
and faithful and untiring in his efforts to lighten the bur- 
dens of his fellows. His generosity in treating material 
affairs where the interest of others were concerned was al- 
most unbounded, and incidents in his life demonstrating 
this were not few. In daily pursuits the ordinary affairs 
received his most careful attention, but he was not an or- 
dinary man, and the limit of the average was frequently 
passed, showing the broader plane on which he live^^-and 
the breadth of libeolity with which he viewed affairs. 

His work in favor of the Irish race was quietly con- 
ducted, and while it never received the attention which 
minor efforts working through Parliamentary or news- 
paper channels would have given, it was simply stu- 
pendous. In bringing together the elements and paving 
the way for concerted action in behalf of Ireland and her 
sons, on this side of the Atlantic he was more potent than 
any other agency. Indeed, it is not too much to say that 
his work in this respect compared with that of Parnell, who 
devoted his life almost exclusively to solidifying the race 
and promoting beneficial legislation, with the aim of se- 
curing a free and independent Ireland. No one, except- 
ing those enjoying his confidence or who were intimately 
associated with him in that magnificent enterprise, can 
appreciate even in a small way the opposition that was 
encountered, and the seemingly insurmountable barriers 

7 



LIFE OF FATHER PHILLIPS. 



that were overcome. This work in itself would stand as 
a monument to his memory and will ever make his name 
revered among the people he loved above all on earth. 

EPITOMIZED BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 

The Reverend Edward Stanislaus Phillips was born 
near Hawley, Wayne County, Pa., October 4th, 185 1, and 
was a son of Edward and Mary O'Hara Phillips, natives 
of County Mayo, Ireland, where they were married irt 
November, 1839, a few years later coming to America. 
They first located near Hawley, where the father worked 
and boated on the canal until 1852, in which year he re- 
moved to Pittston, where he was employed by the Penn- 
sylvania Coal Company until a few years before his 
death, which occurred July 25, 1890, when he was aged 
seventy-six y^ars. His wife, Mary, died January 7, 1891. 
The Phillips family consisted of three children, of whom 
Michael died in Ireland when but an infant, and Mary A. 
married John J. Dougherty, of Pittston, by whom she had 
thirteen children, nine of whom are living, the eldest being 
Dr. A. F. Dougherty, of Ashley, Luzerne County, Pa. 
Father Phillips, who was the youngest in his father's fam- 
ily, when a youth attended the public schools of Pittston 
and was tutored in his preparatory studies by Father Fin- 
nan, Vicar General of the Diocese of Scranton, and pastor 
of St. John's Church, Pittston. He finished his classical 
studies in St. Charles's College, Ellicott City, Md. ; his 
philosophy and theology at St. Charles's Theological 
Seminary, Philadelphia, and was ordained September 
29th, 1875, in the Cathedral in Scranton, by the late Right 



EPITOMIZED BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 



Reverend William O'Hara, D. D. He was engaged in 
ministerial work at the Cathedral for two years, after 
which he was located in various parts of the Diocese, prin- 
cipally in Plymouth, Plains and Hazleton. 




BISHOP McFAUUS TRIBUTE. 
Mr. WiUiam Joyce, Hadeton, Pa. 

Dear Sir: — In reply to your request for a fezv lines in 
relation to Father Phillips, I beg leave to say that while 
engaged in reuniting and reorganising the Ancient Or- 
der of Hibernians I had frequent opportunities of observ- 
ing the excellent qualities of mind and heart zvhich he 
possessed, and now that his friends, out of the midst of 
their great sorrow, are looking for some ray of consola- 
tion it affords me much satisfaction to testify publicly to 
the high esteem in zvhich I held his name and the affection 
zvith which I shall always cherish his memory He zuas 
a true man, a loyal American, a patriotic Irishman, and 
a self-sacriiicing clergyman. 

The incidents connected with his last moments zvere 
indeed pathetic. He had long battled manfully for jus- 
tice and religion, generously pouring out his heart and 
soul for the material and spiritual zvelfare of his fellozv- 
men. The poor, the afflicted, the oppressed, the victims 
of "man's inhumanity to man," had in him ever a friend 
and an advocate. Surely that God zvhose mercy is bound- 
Jess regarded the sacrifices of His servant and clothed him 
tvith the mantle of heavenly charity. 

Very faithfully yours, 
^ JAMES A. McFAUL, 

Bishop of Trenton. 

Bishop's House, Trenton, N. J., May 2^, ipoi. 



lO' 



CHAPTER I. 

TATHER PHILLIPS AS PASTOR OF ST. GABRIEL^S CHURCH. 
REVIEW OF ITS EARLY HISTORY AND THE WORK DONE 
DURING THE THREE YEARS OF HIS ADMINISTRATION. 

Rev. Father Edward S. Phillips was first appointed 
to the Hazleton Parish in November, 1879. Prior to that 
he had been stationed at Plymouth, Luzerne County, Pa., 
as curate and was sent to Hazleton to serve in a like ca- 
pacity under Very Rev.Father J.J.Cummiskey,then pastor 
of St. Gabriel's Church, with Rev. Father Edward Fitz- 
maurice first assistant. In June, 1888, he was appointed 
pastor of the Plains Parish, Luzerne County. 

It was in February, 1898, that Father Phillips was re- 
turned to St. Gabriel's, this time to succeed Father Cum- 
miskey, who, to secure needed relaxation and relief 
from the strain of overwork and which had been telling 
on his physical condition for some time, had planned to 
go to Rome. When Father Cummiskey left Hazleton 
Father O'Rourke was sent from St. Mary's Parish, 
Wilkes-Barre, as acting pastor of St. Gabriel's until a 
permanent appointment could be made. It was not un- 
til three months after his selection as rector of St. Ga- 
briel's that Father Phillips took charge. For Father 
Phillips, his appointment as pastor of St. Gabriel's dated 
a period of hard and successful labor such as would dis- 



LIFE OF FATHER PHILLIPS. 



tinguish the record of the most zealous worker even in 
a more extensive field. 

Father Cummiskey, whom he succeeded as pastor, had 
been practically exhausted physically, and the church 
property had been allowed to run down. Upon his shoul- 
ders had fallen the great burden of discharging a heavy 
debt, providing for a new edifice, arranging the details 
for a parish that was to become the third largest in the 
then new Diocese of Scranton. Originally, Hazleton be- 
longed to the Philadelphia Diocese. Although compar- 
atively strong numerically it was weak financially, and 
when the first church building was replaced by the pres- 
ent large and commodious structure, the work of main- 
taining it and discharging the debt incident to its erec- 
tion was a colossal undertaking. The new church was 
built in 1869, and was then under the supervision of 
Father Filan, who was assisted by Father O'Hara. 
Father Filan decided to cast his lot with the 
old Diocese of Philadelphia, and left Hazleton. 
He was succeeded by Father O'Hara, who had 
been his assistant, and who, it would appear, had 
but little knowledge of the great work attending the care 
of a new and debt-burdened edifice. Father O'Hara was 
succeeded by Father Hennessey, who remained for two 
years, when the predecessor of Father Phillips, Rev. 
Father J. J. Cummiskey, was made pastor of the new 
church in the then very young Diocese of Scranton. 

Father Cummiskey found a debt of $46,000 with 
which he had to begin work, besides a somewhat disor- 
ganized parish which extended over a very large territory. 



AS PASTOR OF ST. GABRIEL S. 



Into the work he threw all the vigor of his young man- 
hood. To take care of the finances was in itself a task 
which required considerable executive ability to meet. 
His efforts met with gratifying success, and he felt so 
much encouraged that the work of erecting a convent was 
undertaken. This was adding more to the burdens of 
the pastor than probably he appreciated at the time, but 
he was assisted greatly by the Community of Sisters, 
then very uncomfortably established in the neighborhood. 
By their combined efforts they succeeded in erecting a 
handsome and commodious horne that was afterward to 
become the Mother House for the Sisters of Mercy. A 
new school was erected and the foundation for the third 
largest parish in the Diocese was secured. When mat- 
ters looked brightest for relief from worry of debt and 
the vicissitudes incident to building in small communities, 
an unlooked for and severe loss was to occur. This was 
occasioned by subterranean disturbances, and by. which 
the pillars of the mines beneath had crumbled, the sur- 
face settled, and for a time ruin threatened the new 
church property. The church was badly shaken, tim- 
bers twisted and distorted. It was abandoned and it was 
feared that a complete collapse would take place or the 
structure would be engulfed. After the excitement and 
the period of danger had passed, Father Cummiskey re- 
turned to the work of practically rebuilding, and, with the 
same perseverance and skill that had characterized ear- 
lier efforts, he was soon enabled to have the edifice put 
into serviceable shape. This was a trying time for St. 
Gabriel's. In the work of reconstruction the pastor was 

13 



LIFE OF FATHER PHILLIPS. 



ably assisted by his curates, Fathers Fitzmanrice and Phil- 
lips. Confidence was restored among the parishioners 
and among- the Community of Sisters, who also were fear- 
ful for the safety of the convent and school. 

AVith these incidents of the early work in the manage- 
ment of tlie parish property, without referring to the spir- 
itual duties that were extensive and arduous, it was not to 
be wondered at that Father Cummiskey's physical condi- 
tion became impaired and the struggle began to tell upon 
his energies. For a number of years the spiritual wel- 
fare of his flock almost entirely absorbed his attention and 
the material was to a degree neglected. This condition 
resulted in a visible decline of the church property after 
more than twenty-five years of supervision. It was, 
therefore, in a depreciated condition that Father Phillips 
found his charge when he returned to St. Gabriel's as 
pastor after an absence of ten years. He was favored 
with the recommendation of the old pastor, whose deter- 
mination to leave the country had excited the keenest re- 
gret not only among the parishioners, but the people of 
the community as well. Father Cummiskey well appre- 
ciated the executive ability of his former curate, and, as 
results proved, he was fully justified in endorsing him as 
his successor. 

Tke new management seemed to show an immediate and 
electrifying effect upon the parish of St. Gabriel's. The 
cemetery, which had been falling into decay as far as 
landscape work was concerned, was one of the first parts 
of his new charge to receive attention. His executive 
ability Vv'as quite marvelous. For years very little at- 

14 



AS PASTOR OF ST. GABRIEL S. 



tention had been paid to the resting place of the deceased 
members of the church. It was completely overrun with 
a moimtainous growth of timber and shrubbery, the fence 
dilapidated, walks obliterated, tombstones broken and 
crumbling, and altogether it presented a deplorable ap- 
pearance. Under the direction of the new pastor a sex- 
ton was engaged and a large force of men was employed, 
rescuing the walks and drives from the promiscuous 
growth of trees and brushwood. A new fence was erect- 
ed, and this in the face of other dil^culties requiring even 
more arduous efforts to surround. The cemetery was 
transformed from a scene of wild and neglected desolation 
to one of beauty and attractiveness, and made to compare 
with the handsomest resting place in the Diocese. This 
work was not accomplished without much toil and sacri- 
fice, but even that did not exhaust the resources of the 
management. Besides inaugurating many improve- 
ments, the general work was systematized, and at the 
close of his stewardship the treasury showed a handsome 
balance, which is the best evidence of judicious and in- 
telligent supervision. 

When Father Cummiskey gave up his charge there was 
still $1,500 out of the $46,000 indebtedness undischarged. 
Father Phillips at once began a movement to have this 
liquidated, along with improving the church, convent 
and parochial school buildings. There was no detail in 
the care of property or of his flock that he had not early 
considered and arranged for. The lawns about the con- 
vent, school, church and parish house were soon under 
the care of attendants. With landscape gardening he 

15 



LIFE OF FATHER PHILLIPS. 



seemed to be quite as familiar as in caring- for his people. 
Gradually the entire property, which occupies fully, two 
squares front and rear, began to show the effects of earn- 
est attention. Buildings were painted and repaired ; im- 
provements were added to bring them up to modern re- 
quirements, and to make them a credit not only to the par- 
ish but the community as well. 

In the meantime it was not to be accepted that the ways 
and means were provided by magic. The development 
was pushed in face of what at times seemed to be insur- 
mountable difficulties. The congregation is composed 
mostly of coal workers, and at that time industrial condi- 
tions were far from prosperous or satisfactory. There 
were, too, many annoyances encountered which are com- 
mon to the care of a large congregation, but nothing 
seemed to daunt the man at the helm. Breakers were 
met and passed in safety, and along with making the 
church property more beautiful and of greater value, unity 
was more perfectly established, and St. Gabriel's was en- 
joying, as it never had before, general happiness, a free- 
dom from church debt, prosperity and contentment. 




CHAPTER II. 

WHERE CATHOLIC PRIEST AND METHODIST MINISTERS GOT 
ALONG WELL TOGETHER. METHODIST CONFERENCE 

AIDED BY FATHER PHILLIPS. 

Father Phillips was an lenthusiast, and once he deter- 
mined upon a project that was to improve congregational 
conditions or promote the common welfare of the com- 
munity, he seldom relincjuished the purpose until the work 
was completed. His magnanimity extended to the city 
in which he had been selected to finish his life work. 
There was a liberality in his teaching which bore fruit in 
the good will of the community, regardless of creed or 
nationality. He was a man of surprises, did things on a 
generous scale, and viewed humanity upon the broad 
plane which is so well exemplified in the teachings of the 
Church he served so well. His appreciation for general 
happiness was stronger than is shown by the average 
Churchman. But he was not an average man. While 
it was regarded to some extent as quite extraordinary 
that a Catholic priest should throw open his doors and ex- 
tend the hospitality of his home to ministers of the Meth- 
odist faith, he did not deem it so. 

The occasion on which this incident occurred was 
during the Conference of Methodist ministers held in 
Hazleton during 1900. The number of visitors to the 
city made it necessary for the committee on entertainment 

17 



LIFE OF FATHER PHILLIPS. 



appointed by the local Methodist Church to ask citizens to 
aid in accommodating them. Casually it was suggested 
to Father Phillips that some difficulty was being exper- 
ienced in providing quarters for all of the ministers. The 
remark was made by an aged gentleman, who, while not 
of the Catholic faith, was on excellent terms with the 
pastor of St. Gabriel's. He had not looked for an offer 
and was. perhaps, a little surprised when the good priest 
made the proposition to entertain two ministers during 
their stay in the city. The ministers selected by the Con- 
ference to partake of the hospitality of the priest were 
Rev. R. H. Colburn. pastor of the Beaver Church at Lew^- 
isburg, and Rev. George Leidy. pastor of the First Meth- 
odist Church, Altoona. During their stay in the priest's 
house a warm friendship developed between the minis- 
ters and priest. The hospitality of the priest was accept- 
ed in the spirit in which it had been extended, and in let- 
ters exchanged later invitations A\'ere offered the priest to 
spend some time v. ith them. It was the intention of 
Father Phillips to avail himself of the invitations, but 
the chance ne\'er presented itself to make such a trip con- 
venient. 

When the meeting was first suggested it created some 
astonishment among the delegates to the Conference. Tt 
was the first time in the history of Conference work that 
a proposition of this kind had been received. There 
was some debate in selecting the ministers who were to 
find the company of a parish priest agreeable for a week. 
When the ministers finally arrived at the parochial resi- 
dence they were cordially greeted by Father Phillips. He 

i8 



FATHER PHILLIPS AND THE METHODISTS. 



conducted them to the quarters prepared and, that they 
might familiarize themselves with their surroundings, 
left them with this remark : 

"Here is what we have to offer in the way of accom- 
modation. I trust you will find your stay agreeable, and 
1 want to say at the outset that while our customs may 
seem strange to you in some respects, I ask you not to 
permit it to interfere with your comfort, as we do not ex- 
pect to see you depart from customs that have developed 
with your lives." 

This incident Avas very extensively commented on at 
the time, but it interfered not with the exchange of cour- 
tesies in that mixed household. Father Phillips loved 
his fellow-man and never forgot those niceties of life 
which go to promote the happiness of all. 




19 



CHAPTER III. 

ALWAYS ON THE ALERT TO DO GOOD. FRIEND OF THE 
POOR AND GUARDIAN OF HIS FLOCK. THE UNFIN- 
ISHED LIBRARY WORK. 

Grenerosity was strong in his nature. What he gave 
in the way of donations for local enterprises only the 
recipients know. For the poorer members of his con- 
g'regation he was ever solicitous. Those who shared his 
bounty were many. But it was the aged people for 
whom his care was keenest and his purse was ever open. 
The weak, the unfortunate, the distressed in every cor- 
ner of the parish he knew. His devotion to the principles 
of the Good Samaritan was as strong as to any part of 
the commission he held as an Ambassador of God on 
earth. He instituted societies for the care of the poor, 
and kept himself thoroughly posted upon their work. He 
sent his agents to visit the sick and clothe the poor, to 
succor the needy and help the distressed. His charity 
was as boundless as the sunny disposition which charmed 
«evc4yon€ with whom he came in contact. His patience 
Avas inexhaustible, and nothing seemed to even mo- 
menitarily shadow the hope which filled his life. There 
were occasions when his co-workers seemed to despair 
of carrying through successfully enterprises which they 
had undertaken under his direction. They turned to 
him discouraged, but usually returned to the task 



THE FRIEND OF THE POOR. 



filled with new determination and confidence in the out- 
come. He was a designer, a builder and an inventor. 
Plans for carrying out projects of church work he de- 
vised with marvelous facility, and by his own enthu- 
siasm inspired those about him, gave counsel and listened 
patiently to the skeptics, but brought to a successful ter- 
mination that which he had undertaken. 

One of the largest projects which he had conceived 
for the benefit of the parish and the city was the building 
of a library. This proposition he had entertained for 
some months prior to the issuance of the final summons. 
In view of the many improvements that had been made 
to the parish property there was no financial base to begin 
active operations upon. He set himself to work assid- 
uously. The task seemed too great to the interested 
members of the parish, and there was doubt shown on all 
sides. He was not discouraged. The plans he had con- 
ceived he was deliberating upon for some time. Mat- 
ters were progressing favorably for taking active steps 
when death intervened. It was a giant undertak- 
ing under existing circumstances, but would doubt- 
less have been carried to a successful end had not 
the Omnipotent willed otherwise. In this enterprise he 
saw not only the good moral effect that might result, but 
also the means for lessening the ills from which people of 
the mining communities suffer. 

The education of the youth of the mining region was 
to him an imperative necessity in order that the strife 
which beset labor so frequently might better be com- 



LIFE OF FATHER PHILLIPS. 



passed. In referring to this matter while sitting in his 
study one afternoon he said : 

"Here is a letter, one of many which I have received, 
a.sking my views on the economic question. This letter 
is written by a gentleman whom I believe is as he repre- 
sents himself, and perfectly sincere in what he says regard- 
ing the best methods for treating the labor question. He 
speaks of the situation in a scientific way. There is much 
in what he says of interest to our own people, and yet 
this man, after years of study, admits that he has found 
it almost impossible to come to a definite conclusion. 
That is common sense, in my view. The economic prob- 
lem is complex and solutions change with conditions, while 
conditions are ever changing. The panacea for one lo- 
cality, applied to another, may be a poison. This is as it 
refers to the general situation. There are, of course, 
theories which can be followed safely to a certain extent. 
But what I am most interested in just at present is my own 
locality, my own people, and that which will tend to pro- 
m.ote their welfare. In this respect the little library which 
we already have. I think, offers the nucleus for providing a 
medium that will give a solution, in one direction at least. 
During the labor troubles just passed it was frequently 
charged that the people of the mining patches were illiter- 
ate. This was base calumny. The people of what they 
call the 'mining patches' w^ill compare favorably in intel- 
ligence A\ith those of any other labor districts of the coun- 
try. Still, there is room for further improvement, and 
from my present point of view this library, of which I 
speak, will offer valuable aid in spreading the light. The 



THE FRIEND OF THE POOR. 



danger in conflicts between labor and capital in the min- 
ing regions lies not so much in the precipitation of a striks 
as in its settlement. There is where the recent differences 
gave us a lesson. The matter of negotiations is every- 
thing. I do not say that all coal operators are unscru- 
pulous, but many have a knack of putting things in such 
a way that the average laboring man cannot understand 
them. The result is likely to lead to dissatisfaction. What 
we want is amicability in these things. Let us understand 
each other. I can see in this library movement where 
this amicability may be promoted, and it is for that end I 
shall endeavor to have it erected. We have not funds 
just now, but I feel that a way will present itself shortly. 
Our boys and girls deserve every consideration in this re- 
spect." 

This little chat gave a clearer insight to the man's life 
than perhaps volumes of eulogistic matter. He had been 
importuned by many writers and authors to write his 
views on economic questions. Some of those gave evi- 
dences of sincerity, while in letters from others there was 
room for doubt. He treated all with deferential consid- 
eration, but, as far as known, replied to none. One of the 
letters which impressed him most was from a New York 
gentleman, who explained at some length how himself and 
his father had endeavored to solve the labor problem, both 
in this country and in England. According to the writer, 
his father had been a broad humanitarian and philan- 
thropist. He stated that after having provided employees 
with every comfort and endeavored to promote their hap- 
piness there was little appreciation shown, and they were 

23 



LIFE OF FATHER PHILLIPS. 



as much at sea in the end as when they began. This man 
was desirous of a view from Father Philhps. There 
were many other letters received by him on the subject and 
not a few from cranks who had information that would, 
if adopted, they said, settle the labor question to a nicety. 
Others advocated powder, while a few fanatics who had 
gotten the idea into their heads that it was Father Phil- 
lips's intention to turn the laboring world into the Catholic 
Church, denounced him in unmeasured terms. The 
threats excited a smile and the letter was filed away for 
future amusement. 



JCf 



24 



CHAPTER IV. 

HIS BEARING ON THE ECONOMIC QUESTIONS. THE RELA- 
TIONS OF CAPITAL AND LABOR, NECESSARY TO EACH 
OTHER IN PROMOTING ENTERPRISE AND THRIFT. THEIR 
INTERESTS MUTUAL. 

As a Student of economics he was persevering, careful 
and considerate of all phases. His position in the field as 
the champion of the laboring man advanced the impression 
in some quarters that he was unalterably opposed to the 
capitalist. That was wrong. His regard for the capital- 
ist was never lost. His love for the poor and the lowly, 
although strong, could not warp his appreciation for 
what he conceived to be just. It is recalled that when the 
great strike was precipitated in September, 1900, he was 
called upon by a clergyman from another district. The 
latter said he had come to study the question. He was s 
man of considerable wealth and influence. Before coming 
to the coal regions he had, in a public address, denounced 
the coal operators as vampires, soulless and conscienceless 
beings who idolized the dollar and made slaves of men. 
He had pictured to his auditors the mining region as the 
home of want, destitution and misery. This address had 
been widely published. It placed its author on record 
and, of course, left little room for doubt as to his opinion 
and bearing. When he addressed himself to Father 
Phillips and explained that he had come to study the ques- 

25 



LIFE OF FATHER PHILLIPS. 

lion, I'^ather Phillips inquired if he had not delivered the 
address attrihuted to him by the newspapers. The visitor 
admitted having been correctly reported. It is needless to 
say that these two men occupied different positions in tlie 
strife, and that they could not make companionable asso- 
ciates. Father Phillips would not denounce all coal op- 
erators unequivocally, because he had not found them tlie 
imqualitied rascals which, by some, they were said to be. 
There were other features of the operation of coal mines 
■which caused distress, however, and for those there vvas 
room for investigation and censure. Father Phillips v/as 
not an extremist. If he was he could not have made the 
progress he did in drawing to him the attention of the fair- 
minded of both sides, and holding their confidence and re- 
spect. 

His liberality of thought in this respect sometimes led 
him into conflict with labor leaders, particularly the more 
radical. There was good reason for the pacific views 
Avhich he was Avont to express. Daily experiences brought 
him in touch with all classes. He commanded the respect 
of all. Full confidence was reposed in him. It is one of 
the features of mining life not fully appreciated abroad 
that the parish priest, while not generally differing with 
the coal operators in religious belief, shares their confi- 
dences to an extent which makes him an adviser of both 
sides. Literally speaking, he is the judge of a conimunity, 
and is necessarily prudent in his expression and careful in 
thought. Knowledge being experience, it follows that he 
who has the experience on both sides holds the best view 
of the economic question as it applies locally, at least. 

26 



AS A STUDENT OF ECONOMICS. 



Up to this period his connection with secular affairs in 
the labor field was purely local. He was called upon by 
the laborer who had a complaint to make. The represen- 
tatives of labor consulted him and asked his advice. The 
man out of work asked for his assistance in securing em- 
ployment. He looked after the material as well as the 
spiritual welfare of the members of his congregation. His 
good offices were always available to the worthy, and 
through his influence, succor or wise counsel was secured. 
These requests brought him in contact with employers. 
He performed his m.ission zealously in behalf of his pro- 
tege. The employer, too, appealed to him not infrequent- 
ly, and the same kindly offices were extended. But if the 
position as mediator promoted in him the spirit of gentle- 
ness and pacification, it could not distort his manhood nor 
dissipate the characteristics of his CeUic nature. In the 
strife between labor and capital which followed this was 
well demonstrated, and proved him to be a man of not 
only excellent judgment but whose resources were surpris- 
ingly extensive. 

His nature explains much of the aggressiveness and the 
success with which he handled matters during this excit- 
ing period. He was not entirely a stranger to the work 
of leading men, as reference to his efforts in connection 
with the uniting of the two branches of Ancient Order of 
alibernians shows. That experience, while not requiring 
the exercise of functions determining the ways and means 
for the settlement of a labor dispute in which the elements 
involved were heterogeneous in character, it did, neverthe- 
less, serve to aid him. in marshalling his forces for this 

27 



LIFE OF FATHER PHILLIPS. 



latest task which he had set for himself. If Father Phil- 
Hps was intensely American in his mannerisms, he was 
equally intense in his tendencies towards anything calcu- 
lated to advance the interests of Irishmen or those of Irish 
extraction. 

When he determined to unite the Order which had hon- 
ored him by their implicit faith and confidence, although 
early in life, he betrayed the disposition which was to come 
out more prominently in this struggle between capital and 
labor. He absorbed all of the sympathies of honest and 
humble Irish parents. The tales of oppression which he 
frequently heard recited early in life concerning the people 
of Ireland, made an impression upon his mind and as- 
sisted in moulding his character. While he was not a 
dreamer as far as raising Erin's flag was concerned, he 
saw that as long as her sons in this country were not united, 
and especially that Society which is the strongest part of 
her representation in America, there was even less oppor- 
tunity for anything of value ever being accomplished. He 
threw his whole soul into the work of harmonizing. He 
labored day and night, planned, devised, deliberated and 
thought out the manner in which success was to be achiev- 
ed. This was a gigantic task. He appreciated it. Some 
of his interviews published on the labor controversies 
showed that he had considered it even greater than point- 
ing a way for the heterogeneous organization of mine work- 
ers. His movements were full of energy, and in viewing 
his work in this connection we find much to explain how a 
parish priest of a country town sprang into the vortex 
where giants contended, and at critical moments influ- 

28 



AS A STUDENT OF ECONOMICS. 



Sliced the outcome. It also explains, in a degree, his 
bearing upon the economic question, concerning which in- 
quiry has repeatedly been made by men who have been 
desirous of doing as he did — to know and aid his fellow- 
men. Such students of this very important problem can 
find much in this phase of the life of Father Phillips to in- 
struct and assist. In human happiness he found his 
philosophy, and, aided by a profound theological train- 
ing, he was able to accomplish much. 



■m 



29 



CHAPTER V. 

DEVOTED TO THE CAUSE OF RIGHT HE HELD A MOST UNIQUE 
POSITION. HIS FIRST ACQUAINTANCE WITH THE OR- 
GANIZATION OF COAL WORKERS. 

The great strike of anthracite coal miners, which be- 
gan September 17 and lasted until October 27, 1900, has 
left memories which will take generations to efface. In 
this struggle Father Phillips was a conspicuous figure. 
And, again, in March, 1901, when conditions were threat- 
ening, he proved to be a central figure and the honest and 
sincere advocate of labor. It is this feature of his life 
which has attracted most attention generally. 

How the pastor of St. Gabriel's Roman Catholic 
Church, Hazleton, became so deeply interested, and how 
he came to take such a prominent part, are features of 
the great struggle that have never been explained. At 
this juncture it is not out of place to refer to the doubt 
and questions raised at times concerning the real purpose 
of Father Phillips. When we consider the magnitude of 
the struggle, the momentous issues, the determination, 
fierce and unrelenting, and recall the history of former 
contests of this kind, the most surprising feature of it all 
is that personal attacks upon leading characters were so 
few. 

There was but a single instance during the entire cam- 

30 



HIS LIBERALITY OF THOUGHT. 



paign where Father PhilHps's position came under censure 
of the press, and in that instance but a single nev/spaper 
shared, and that newspaper was the chief and only influ- 
ential advocate of the corporations, the New York Sun, 
This attack was due to the refusal of the organ to admit 
that it was possible for any man or body of men opposing 
corporation rule to be right. That was its policy, but it 
shall be treated in its proper place. 

When the Convention of United Mine Workers of 
America convened in Hazleton, August 13, 1900, indus- 
trial conditions, in the Lehigh coal fields at least, were 
comparatively prosperous. The conditions at the mines 
were better than they had been for years; business in a 
mercantile way was moving along in an even tenor, and 
no one in the Hazleton district, outside of possibly a few 
of the labor leaders, believed that the proposition for a 
strike would be seriously considered. The delegates and 
officers were cordially received by the citizens of the city, 
and but little attention was paid to the early reports. 

On August 14, Father Phillips addressed a letter to the 
convention in which he expressed his high regard for the 
coal workers in general, and invited delegates and officers 
to attend the parish picnic which was to be held next day 
m the Park. This invitation was accepted by a vote of 
the Convention and most, if not all, delegates and officers 
attending the Convention joined the picnickers. Presi- 
dent Mitchell, National Secretary Wilson, of Indianapo- 
lis, and others, addressed the people assembled. It was 
the first time that President Mitchell appeared before a 
Hazleton audience in public, and he made a strong impres- 

31 



LIFE OF FATHER PHILLIPS. 



sion. Father Phillips was greatly struck by the force 
and eloquence of the labor leader, and formed there an at- 
tachment for him which was never shaken, even under 
circumstances that might well be calculated to test the 
strongest bonds of friendship. They had their differ- 
ences and were pitted against each other in a most dra- 
matic if not sensational manner subsequently, but never 
once did the admiration of Father Phillips so early form- 
ed for Mr. Mitchell waver. And, considering the cir- 
cumstances of the meeting and events which were to trans- 
pire later, the singularity is so striking that the conclu- 
sion is suggested that between the opening and close there 
was a strange affinity. It would appear that events be- 
tween the two periods were fitted into them, and specula- 
tive argument thus forced out effectually. 

The Convention at its session had fixed upon a wage 
scale and issued the call for a joint conference on August 
2y. Then followed a season of calmness for the coal dis- 
trict, which was to be succeeded by one of doubt, appre- 
hension and such business prostration as the district had 
never witnessed. 

As the date set for the joint conference approached and 
the impression became current that the operators would 
not meet the delegates, uneasiness began to increase in the 
public mind. This first began to show itself among the 
business men, who prompted professional men to advocate 
pacification and avoidance of trouble. Up to this time 
talk of a strike had amounted to very little in the Lehigh 
region. Memory of the awful Lattimer shooting which 
occurred Friday, September lo, 1897, was recalled, and, 

32 



HIS LIBERALITY OF THOUGHT. 



besides this, the experience of other strikes since the dis- 
astrous struggle of i887-'88 excited a decided opposition 
to the proposition. Not even the labor leaders seemed 
favorable to drastic measures. There was, however, an 
ominous quiet about the hitherto turbulent Honey Brook 
district, and this seemed to extend its influence to the 
region. The disposition locally was such that opposition 
became general. 

It was quite natural that Father Phillips shared this 
feeling of apprehension. He had not been disposed at 
first to take any action one way or the other. The current 
of fear increased in volume and velocity until it became 
so pronounced that business was prostrated and invest- 
ments were out of the question. It was this condition 
finally that appealed to Father Phillips. Taking an ad- 
vance view of the Convention of United Mine Workers, 
which was to take place on August 2^, he divined that a 
strike would take place, and felt convinced that a long and 
hard struggle would- follow. The scenes of misery, des- 
titution and starvation common to protracted idleness at 
the mines he pictured in his own mind. He had reason 
to believe that the operators would fight to the death. In 
fact this was the intention of the Lehigh operators, at 
least. They had always proven hard and vengeful fight- 
ers, and they openly avowed that they would be so again. 
That they had lost any of their prestige in the combination 
of coal interests then newly formed they would not admit. 
Whether they knew it or not was not a question which 
occurred to any outsider. Of course, it cannot be said 
that they did yield because they forced the big carriers 

33 



LIFE OF FATHER PHILLIPS. 



to reimburse them by final concessions. No one knew the 
line of battle contemplated by President Mitchell. All 
was doubt and fear. 

This was the situation as Father Phillips viewed it. 
Still, it was not expected that he would take a determined 
stand for or against a purely business proposition in which 
many of his own people were directly concerned. 

When on Sunda}', August 26, he made some remarks 
from the pulpit, pointing out the cause of prevailing ap- 
prehension. ^'iewi^g the prospective distress which a 
strike would precipitate, and advising against such meas- 
ures, attention to him was immediately directed. His 
remarks were extemporaneously delivered, but they were 
quickly seized upon by the more active opponents of the 
strike proposition. The latter were disposed to make the 
most of this address and. in fact, every business man in 
the community commended the priest for the stand he had 
taken. The address really pro^"ed to be the opening gun 
of the campaign wliich was to be the most eventful and 
conspicuous of the world's labor movements. 

The address as approved by him was as follows : 

ADDRESS OF FR. PHILLIPS TO HIS FLOCK AT THE EARLY 
MASS SUNDAY, AUGUST 26. 

"A subject which is attracting widespread attention at 
the present time, and one that is of particular, yes, of vital 
interest to you of this community, is the labor problem. 
Ordinarily, this might not appear to be one for ministerial 
comment or interference, but the tenor of newspaper re- 
views at the present time points to tlie possible precipita- 

34 



AN INTENSE AMERICAN. 



tion of strife between mine workers and their employers 
such as may well alarm the community, and attract the 
attention of all persons who may have any influence in 
securing an amicable adjustment of such difficulties. 

"I am not in a position to state authoritatively what is 
being done or what is contemplated by either coal opera- 
tors or the union which holds a convention here to-mor- 
row, but if the unusual amount of newspaper comment is 
to be credited the issuance of an order declaring a strike 
is imminent. 

"In certain quarters the statement is positively made 
that there will be a tie-up of this kind, while such serious 
prospects as the movement embraces are viewed with com- 
placency; with no apparent regard for conditions that 
may mean distress, misery and destitution; the stagnation 
of business and general depression. 

"For my part I cannot look upon such prospects witH 
indifference: I cannot passively regard a question that 
so deeply affects the community, and particularly you, the 
men and wom.en com.posing the congregation of St. Ga- 
briel's, whose spiritual adviser it is my honor to be, and 
for whose material advancemicnt I most earnestly hope 
and would zealously guard. 

"It is. therefore, not only proper, but imperative, that 
I should interpose at such a time and ask those directly, 
concerned, are you prepared for a struggle such as reports 
say is nov\' imminent ? I do not believe you are ; in fact, 
I know that you are not. This is a question of supreme 
importance and should be weighed well and calmly before 
you resolve to enter into such a strife. As with great 

35 



LIFE OF FATHER PHILLIPS. 



political movements, so it is with social and economic. 
A short time ago this country was at war with Spain. 
That war cost Spain not only the loss of her colonial pos- 
sessions, but the blood of many of her noblest sons as well 
as millions in treasure. The misery, suffering and agony 
it brought to the hearts of Spanish people are equaled 
-only by their national humiliation and depreciated pres- 
tige, all because of the lack of preparation and resources, 
and their refusal to examine into conditions which gave 
undoubted assurances of defeat, or to treat pacifically the 
proposals for arbitration which offered hope to an amic- 
able adjustment. 

"And, as we contemplate this astonishing self-reliance 
and compare results I am constrained to put these ques- 
tions to 3'ou, my brethren : 

"Have adequate preparations been made for a struggle; 
have you looked into conditions which may furnish ad- 
vance knowledge of results ; can you see no way whereby 
the issues may be treated pacifically and an amicable so- 
lution reached without resort to drastic measures? 

^'I fully realize that there are weighty questions to be 
adjusted. No one can remain long in the mining commu- 
nity without noting the causes giving rise to complaint, 
:and feeling in sympathy with the coal worker. No one 
"wTio owes his being to a coal miner particularly, can fail 
■.to respond in sympathy to the appeals of this class nor 
to raise his voice when opportunity offers for procuring 
recognition and relief. 

"My own father was a coal worker, and certainly with 
the friends of toil my sympathies rest. Some days ago 

36 



AN INTENSE AMERICAN. 



this parish held a picnic at Hazle Park and when the del- 
egates attending the Convention of the United Mine Work- 
ers were assembled in this city. It was at my invitation: 
that the officers and delegates fraternized in social inter- 
course with us, and the multitudes were addressed by 
them. My purpose was to extend the hand of fellowship- 
to those visitors who represented a cause we hold in com-- 
mon, that they might enjoy the outing, and, to be candid,, 
that we might also profit by their association. In the 
addresses made by these men the labor situation was ably 
presented, and with no utterance could the least fault be 
found. They were the national leaders of organized la- 
bor, and it was indeed gratifying to note with what in- 
telligence, acumen and keen analysis the great problem of 
labor and capital was handled. They most emphatically 
declared that they were opposed to strikes and that their 
purpose was not to precipitate a strike of that kind.. 
These were declarations of leaders and reiterated by men 
specially honored and selected for the virtues they possess. 
I take it that these leaders are sincere and more thor- 
oughly represent the sentiment of organized labor and bet- 
ter understand the issues than the men so freely quoted" 
in the newspapers or by the reviewers who are making- 
such alarming predictions concerning the certainty of a. 
strike. 

"With the declaration of the leaders to whom I refer,.. 
I am in full accord, and I say to you, my people, we should 
do all in our power to prevent such action. But leaders- 
do not control conventions sometimes, and delegates who 
weigh not all phases and who may be indifferent to con-- 

37 



LIFE OF FATHER PHILLIPS. 

sequences, will throw vote and voice for warfare, thus 
forcing that which more prudent associates advise against. 
It is against this contingency I would guard, and if, as I 
presume there are, members of my congregation present 
who will sit as delegates in that convention, I most ear- 
nestly urge them to not only vote against the strike propo- 
sition, but to exercise all influence in the same direction 
that they may l)e able to command. 

"During ni}^ twenty-five years in the priesthood I have 
witnessed many contests of this kind. I know what are 
the results to the workingman, and the suggestion of 
such a move now fills me with apprehension. We are 
now^ enjoying comparative contentment. I know of no 
destitution in this vicinity, no distress, excepting, possibly, 
here and there an isolated case where the bread winner of 
the family has been stricken by misfortune. You are ap- 
parently enjoying conditions and are well fed. You are 
clothed respectably and. in fact, I know- of no congrega- 
tion so large that is better dressed or makes a finer appear- 
ance collectively. To disturb this condition by striking; 
to destroy the serenity of the community, would be a dis- 
aster which excites direct forebodings and urges every 
man who has the welfare of the community at heart to 
exercise whatever influence he may have in opposition 
thereto. That is my position, and in the event of a strike 
being ordered my endeavor shall be to bring about an ad- 
justment as speedily as possible, in this region, at least. 
AVe must remember that there are local conditions which 
may he susceptible to local treatment, and so it is with 
other features of this gigantic movement. 

38 



AN INTENSE AMKRK'AN. 



"The great American principle on which large ques- 
tions are^adjusted is arbitration. On this both sides to 
the controversy agree, but differ as to the method of pro- 
cedure. The workmen claim the right to send their rep- 
resentatives to speak for them as attorneys in the case. 
This seems reasonable, but is not agreeable to the opera- 
tors, who, as a counter proposal, say "we will treat with 
employees only." This does not appear satisfactory to 
the other side. And so the chasm opens. 

"Now, from what I know of the operators in this re- 
gion, and I know some of them intim.ately, and all favor- 
ably,' I feel justified in saying that they will do whatever 
they agree upon. I can only judge these men as I find 
them, and compare their failings or weaknesses with those 
of other men. The question then arises, what would you 
do as an employer if your workmen felt dissatisfied and 
sent a representative to make known his complaint ? Let 
me make an illustration. 

'T myself am an employer in a small way. I hire one 
sexton and two domestics. Would I entertain a com- 
mittee picked from their acquaintances, but unknown to 
me, who might come to protest against certain treatment, 
or demand more pay? Most assuredly not. Can you 
or I prescribe another course for a neighbor, be he the em- 
ployer of one man or a hundred, without appearing arbi- 
trary or inconsistent? We cannot. 

"If the workmen send a committee composed from 
their own ranks to the operators, state their grievances in 
a gentlemanly and business-like v;ay, I feel that no em- 
ployer can decline to hear them. I am inclined to believe 

39 



LIFE OF FATHER PHILLIPS. 



that some of their burdens will be relieved at least. But 
if the operators decline to open their doors, what then — 
strike? No, emphatically no. Then what? I make no 
pretensions at solution, but I firmly believe the matter can 
be safely left to the decree of that just and impartial 
bar — public opinion. Here credit or censure will be placed 
where it belongs. If the operators are at fault the decis- 
ion will be given without hesitation, or if the other side, 
a like verdict will be rendered. From momentary chaos 
will come enlightenment and elucidation which must re- 
sult in a greater degree of prosperity, let us hope, to both 
employer and employee, for labor and capital, mutually de- 
pendent, will inevitably rise or fall together." 



P. if 



40 



: CHAPTER VI. 

THE miners' convention AND ITS OUTCOME. FATHER 
PHILLIPS TAKES HIS FIRST ACTIVE MEASURES IN THE 
LABOR FIELD. 

The Convention opened at Hazleton August 2y, and 
Father Phillips was in consultation with President Mitch- 
ell at the latter's headquarters. The pastor of St. Gabriel's 
Church then threw his whole heart into the work of 
averting a struggle, as he could not then believe that there 
was a possible chance of the men winning. He spent a 
great deal of time at labor headquarters, but it was evident 
that the sentiment for strike among the delegates was 
growing, though the influence exerted by the priest was 
having its effect. He had resolved upon a course of ac- 
tion, and his sincerity and honesty of purpose greatly im- 
pressed the leaders themselves. President Mitchell con- 
ferred with the priest at intervals and, by, his persistence, 
Father Phillips obtained permission to enter the Conven- 
tion. This unprecedented concession to an outsider took 
place late in the afternoon, and when the Scale Commit- 
tee had about finished their report to be submitted 
with the resolution that was to declare for a strike. 

Father Phillips had had no time to prepare an address, 
but he was equal to any emergency of this kind. As an 
extemporaneous speaker, he had few superiors. An offi- 

41 



Lll'li OF FATHER PHILLIPS. 

cial report of that meeting was not made public, but it is 
known that in the face of an overwhelming sentiment for 
strike he won over not a few delegates, and these in tarn 
openly supported him on the floor. Some of the delegates 
naturally regarded the movement as an unwarranted inter- 
ference, but no one offered the slightest sign of disrespect. 
The resolutions, as originally taken up, declaring for a 
strike within the next ten days, were adopted, but this par- 
agraph was added after the earnest appeal of Father Phil- 
lips : 

"Resolved, That the Executive Committee be given the 
power to appoint any committee upon the lines suggested, 
if they see it will assist in arriving at any fair and amica- 
ble settlement within the next ten days." 

Tliis also practically committed Father Phillips to ex- 
ert himself in the effort to bring about a meeting between 
the miners and operators. He at once set to work trying 
to bring about the desired end. What he did in this di- 
rection during the intervening days only himself knew. 
The light in his little study in the parochial residence burn- 
ed late night after night, and during the day he w^as con- 
stantly at work. 

In its report of the decision of the Miners' Convention 
and the action of Father Phillips, the New York Herald 
said the following day : 

"To one man, and only one man — the best known and 
the most courageous Catholic priest in the whole Hazle- 
ton region — must be given the credit for stopping at least 
ten days the strike of 143,000 anthracite coal miners. 

42 



THE FRIEND OF LABOR. 



The priest is Rev. E. S. Phillips, pastor of St. Gabriel's 
Church, Hazleton, a man born in the mines, with the in- 
terests of the miners deep at heart, and at the same time 
with a breadth of view which enabled him to recognize the 
rights of all. * * * There have been many victories 
in peace and war, but the victor)^ of Father Phillips — won 
single-handed — is the talk of the entire anthracite region 
to-day from Shamokin to Schuylkill Haven. There may 
yet be a strike, but it will not occur until various proposi- 
tions have been made looking to an adjustment." 

Of course, newspaper reports were at the time influ- 
enced by the individual interests of their owners, but this 
one is merely taken as an illustration of how one of those 
supposed to represent the temperate view looked upon the 
incident. 

Father Phillips had opened communication with the 
various operators. He felt confident that they could not 
resist the influence of public opinion that was being excit- 
ed, and that they would eventually consent to meet the 
men. He visited different mine owners in the metropo- 
lis and secured statements from them. These were not re- 
assuring. The date for definite action on the part of the 
men w^as approaching, and excitement grew apace with 
the public. 

On September 2, Father Phillips returned from New 
York, where he had spent several days endeavoring to 
reach the operators, and induce some of them to meet the 
miners in Convention. Upon his return home he gave out 
this interview^, v/hich shows that he had been working in- 
dustriously : 

43 



LIFE OF FATHER PHILLIPS. 



"Earnest efforts are being made on the part of the 
Mine Workers and others to bring about a conference of 
operators and employees, and to pave the way for a friend- 
ly meeting. I have called on operators and Mine Work- 
ers in different parts of the region, and while nothing tan- 
gible was done, yet there appears to be a better feeling 
all around, which may, it is hoped, remove the cause for 
strike before the time limit expires. In the meantime, I 
would suggest to the miners and others the advisability 
of suspending, as far as possible, the discussion of strikes 
and their causes until the Executive Board shall have 
exhausted every eft'ort to bring about the desired end of 
agitation. This end is not a strike, but the amicable ad- 
justment of the differences between the Mine Workers 
and their employers. On the other hand, should our la- 
bors prove in vain, owing to a final refusal on the part of 
operators to make concessions, or at least give the miners 
the hearing they ask, I see no possible means of prevent- 
ing the declaration of a strike, with all its deplorable 
evils." 

Father Phillips was betraying the discouragement 
which refusal of operators to meet the men created. 
There were statements coming from mine owners' repre- 
sentatives showing plainly that they intended to defy the 
efforts of the peacemaker as well as the union leaders. 

The committee of Mine Workers left in Hazleton were 
in the meantime giving the priest v^'hatever aid they could, 
and on September 9 the committee, representing the en- 
tire anthracite field, composed of District Presidents 

44 



THE FRIEND OF LABOR. 



Duffy, Nicholls and Fahey, issued the following state- 
ment : 

"Rev. E. S. Phillips met here to-day with the offi- 
cers of the Mine Workers of the anthracite mining dis- 
trict for the purpose of taking action on the proposition 
submitted by him at the convention held here on the 28th 
ulto. This was, that a conference be held between the 
operators of the coal region and a committee composed as 
follows : Four business men, one from each of the 
Boards of Trade of Shamokin, Hazleton, Wilkes-Barre 
and Scranton; two clergymen, one Catholic priest and 
one Protestant minister; three miners from each of the 
following anthracite coal regions : Schuylkill, Northum- 
berland, Lehigh, Wyoming, Lackawanna; two from 
each region to be union men and one from each region to 
be a non-union man, and all to be miners at present in 
the employ of the operators in the regions they represent 
This forms a committee of eighteen — twelve miners, four 
business men and two clergymen. The miners and the 
operators of the region to confer on the questions at is- 
sue, while the clergymen and business men are allowed to 
he present throughout the conference to aid in the amic- 
able adjustment." 

As the days went by and the appeals from the clergy- 
man received only indifferent notice from the operators, 
his discouragement became more pronounced, and finally 
he withdrew, satisfied that the operators did not mean 
to treat fairly with the men and that he could do no 
more. 

45 



LIFE OF FATHER PHILLIPS. 



In the meantime the Executive Ccmmittee of the Uni- 
ted Mine Workers of America met at IndianapoHs and 
issued the order for a strike of antliracite coal workers to 
take place on Monday, September 17. 

On the preceding Saturday, Archbishop Ryan, of Phil- 
adelphia, granted an interview to the press representa- 
tives in that city, which appeared in all metropolitan pa- 
pers the following Sunday. In it the Archbishop inti- 
mated that he would accept the responsibility of acting 
as mediator, and strongly commended Father Phillips 
for the work he had been doing. He also said that he 
(Father Philips) would continue his efforts to effect a 
settlement. This evidence of interest on the part of the 
Archbishop revived the hopes of Father Phillips. He 
had already withdrawn, but in view of the endorsement 
and well-known influence and sagacity of the Philadelphia 
prelate he took new hope. After a consultation he de- 
cided to again try to bring about an adjustment, and 
composed the following telegram which he sent to the 
Archbishop: 

Hazleton, Pa., September 16. 1900. 

To the Most Reverend P. J. Ryan, D. D., Archbishop of 
Philadelphia: 

T thank you for offer of assistance and sentiment ex- 
pressed in to-day's papers. I had retired from the field 
discouraged, believing that all my resources had been ex- 
hausted, but now, encouraged by you, I v/ill resume ef- 
forts. Will see Mr. Mitchell on his arrival to-night, and 
suggest further appeal by miners to operators through you 

46 



THE FRIEND OF LABOK. 



as mediator, acting for public in general. This telegram, 
made public through the press agency, will also suggest 
to operators a way out of difficulty that will not include 
recognition of Union, the chief object to settlement. Even 
this step may fail, yet the situation, now desperate, de- 
mands prompt action on our part. Will advise you to- 
morrow of progress. (Signed) E. S. Phillips. 



A7 



CHAPTER VII. 

STRANGE COINCIDENCE THAT LED TO THE JEDDO MEETING 
AND ITS GENERAL EFFECT. CEMENTED BOND OF 
FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN PRIEST AND MINE WORKERS' 
PRESIDENT. 

While the pastor of St. Gabriel's sat in his study on 
Wyoming street, Hazleton, reading over the interview 
with Archbishop Ryan, on the veranda of his mansion on 
West Broad street, in the same city, sat a coal operator 
contemplating the same statement. This man was Alvan 
Markle, one of the owners of the Jeddo collieries. Of 
all the coal interests embraced in that struggle, Jeddo 
stands out pre-eminently the most prominent. It was 
the scene of the most unique, if not most sensational, inci- 
dent of that greatest of mining strikes. In the history 
of the contest it stands alone as the place where a coal 
operator and labor leader entered into joint debate, and 
from the same platform a Catholic priest addressed the 
multitude. How this meeting came about is none the 
less interesting, and is a feature of the story that has 
never appeared in print before. 

It so happened that when the man who had been in con- 
sultation with Father Phillips concerning the telegram 
and advisability of again taking up the work of mediation 
left the pastoral residence to file the telegram addressed to 
Archbishop Ryan, another messenger had been dispatched 



DEBATE WITH MITCHELL. 



by the coal operator for the same individual. When the 
latter arrived at the coal operator's home, Mr. Markle was 
surrounded with copies of the various newspapers of the 
day. He at once explained the object of his having sent 
for his caller. Taking up one of the papers he read the 
interview with Archbishop Ryan. He stated that it 
seemed to him that the proposal of Archbishop Ryan of- 
fered the way out of the present difficulty. His company 
was the largest individual coal shipper in the anthracite 
region, and they stood ready to accept the Archbishop as 
the arbitrator, if an arbitrator was necessary. On this 
score he expressed some doubt, as they already had arbitra- 
tion at their works and were prepared to stand by it. He 
added, however, that if whatever differences existing at 
their mines could not be settled between themselves and 
their men they were satisfied to leave it to arbitration, and 
if the local arbitrators failed to agree, then they (the com- 
pany) would agree to accept Archbishop Ryan as the 
mediator. He then asked if his views could not be con- 
veyed to Father Phillips. 

Having come direct from Father Phillips, and still hav- 
ing a copy of the telegram in his possession which was ad- 
dressed to Archbishop Ryan, and which would be given to 
the press that evening, the caller felt justified in making 
known the fact that the priest had resolved to again take 
up the work of endeavoring to conciliate the elements, and 
believing, as he did, that this was just the opportunity 
sought by the priest. It was plain that Mr. Markle desir- 
ed to avoid trouble, at his mines at least. But since he of- 
fered to concede the main point at issue — arbitration — 

49 



LIFE OF FATHER PHILLIPS. 



there appeared nothing for mediators to do but accept the 
proposition. Besides this, it seemed to point the way to an 
amicable adjustment of the difficulty on the eve of the 
great strike. "If the Markles agreed to arbitrate, others 
would be compelled to follow their example." was the way 
the messenger viewed it. and it was certainly with some 
feeling of gratification that he made known to Father 
Phillips what the coal operator had said. The priest was 
elated. He reasoned that it was a long step towards suc- 
cess. It looked as though the hand of Providence was in- 
tervening and the settlement for \vhich he had earnestly 
prayed and ardently toiled was at hand. 

A meeting was arranged and that afternoon Father 
Phillips met both John and Alvan Markle at the latter's 
home. The same man who arranged the interview was 
present at the conference. John Markle did most of the 
talking, and he repeated with more detail what his brother 
had said earlier, and which is quoted previously. When 
Father Phillips left the Markle mansion he was feeling 
overjoyed. It appeared to him that in face of this propo- 
sition from the most influential individual operators in the 
region, and, of public opinion, which was strongly in favor 
of a joint meeting or arbitration of some kind, the other 
operators could not refuse to make a like concession. The 
conference as reported attracted widespread attention, 
though no one divined what sensational features it was to 
develop. 

Father Phillips had been thoroughly impressed with the 
apparent fairness of the Jeddo operators. They were not 
strangers to him. neither were the towns surrounding 

50 



DEBATE WITH MITCHELL. 



their mines. He knew something of the general operation 
and that there was comparative contentment among the 
employees. He felt that the operators were the most gen- 
erous of any he had met, and when an invitation was re- 
ceived by him to appear at Jeddo, where John Markle was 
to address his miners and reiterate what he had said in 
private to Father Phillips, the good priest saw no harm in 
attending. He was to verify what Mr. Markle had told 
him. At any rate he did not foresee that his attendance 
would be a feature of the most dramatic incident of the 
campaign. It was to be the turning point in the economic 
view of the parish pastor, the point at which ideas expand, 
and from the advocate of local issues he was 
to grasp a problem of general application and to 
understand how the panacea designed for local 
ills could be made to act as poison for the largtr and 
more important body. And we know that the lesson 
taught on the campus of the Jeddo school that Septem- 
ber day fell on fertile soil as far as it concerned Father 
Phillips. 

While John Markle arranged for the meeting to ad- 
dress his workmen September 19, President John Mitchell 
saw that he would be obliged to take decisive action if a 
serious break in the ranks of his army of bread-winners 
was to be prevented. Contrary to the way the clergyman 
had looked at it, the leader of the Mine Workers under- 
stood that by admitting the proposal for arbitration at a 
local point he endangered his entire line, extending from 
Northumberland to Lackawanna. In so doing there 
would be left open a very influential channel for supplying 

51 



LIFE OF FATHER PHILLIPS. 



the market, and besides this, the Hnes of the Union itself 
would be seriously affected. The proposition of the 
Markles had every appearance of fairness, but it was pro- 
portionately dangerous to the success of the entire cam- 
paign, and the labor leader determined to act with strat- 
egy and energy. There was every reason to believe that 
had John Markle been permitted to carry out his plans 
without counter-action on part of the Union, he would 
have so impressed the workers that nothing could be done 
that would overcome the effect later on. 

Such was the situation, and President Mitchell resolv- 
ed to meet it. When the car carrying Father Phillips 
stopped at Jeddo the meeting was in progress, but it was 
not being addressed by John Markle. The man on the 
platform was John Mitchell, President of the United Mine 
Workers. Father Phillips had not looked for this. 
Neither had John Markle. Father Phillips looked first 
amused, then amazed. He had expressed some doubt en 
route as to the prudence of his going to Jeddo. Mr. Mitch- 
ell made a very strong plea for unity and for the rejection 
of the Markle offer. He also touched upon the railroad 
features of the problem, the discrimination in freight 
rates and the merciless policy of the coal carriers which 
made a victim of the small operator as well as the coal 
worker. He made a good impression on his auditors, and 
Father Phillips was more dubious than ever about the wis- 
dom of his appearing at such a gathering. 

After President Mitchell left the platform Mr. Markle 
mounted it. He had not spoken a dozen words until he 
was interrupted by hoots, cat calls and derisive yells. It 

52 



SENSATIONAL MEETING AT JEDDO. 



was evident that an effort would be made to spoil the ef- 
fect of his address, if he was to make one at all. These in- 
dignities were continued with such persistency that even 
Mr. Mitchell's supporters objected to them. 

All this time Father Phillips stood at the extreme right 
of the platform and away from the crowd some little dis- 
tance. If there was anything that appealed to his na- 
ture strongly, it was fair play. He saw John Markle was 
making a stubborn and a manly fight for a hearing, but he 
was not getting treatment that was due a gentleman. He 
sympathized with the coal magnate as he struggled against 
the noises on the fringe of the crowd. When, at the con- 
clusion of Mr. Markle's address, he called Father Phillips 
to verify what he had told him privately on Sunday re- 
garding arbitration, Father Phillips responded. 

The appearance of the priest on the platform was per- 
haps as much of a surprise to many of the spectators as 
his own discovery of Mr. Mitchell originally, for but few 
persons had noticed him alight from the car and station 
himself at the edge of the crowd. He began his remarks 
with some hesitation ; but as he proceeded and recalled the 
scenes of unfairness which he had always opposed, he 
warmed up to his subject and, in the excitement of the 
moment, he went considerably farther than he had in- 
tended. 

It is to this incident which Mr. Mitchell refers In his 
statement published in this volume. There is no doubt 
had Father Phillips not been present the Union's leader 
would have carried things by storm, and made subsequent 
movements in that district much easier. It was evident 

53 



LIFE OF FATHER PHILLIPS. 



that Mr. Mitchell was also surprised to find Father Phil- 
lips pitted against him in that manner. A chain of events 
in this connection seemed to operate along mysterious 
lines, bringing about the dual coincidence which could not 
fail to embarrass. 

At the close of the speech-making the crowd dispersed 
rather quickly. Father Phillips declined invitations to 
accompany others away and stood near the spot where he 
had located himself when he arrived. He was talking to 
a young man \\hom he knew and who had no particular 
interest in the proceedings of the day. It was evident 
that he was thinking deeply, although talking. On the 
trolley car returning to Hazleton, which was crowded, the 
priest and labor leader exchanged a few words. In his 
study later he remarked that Mr. Mitchell told him he did 
not expect such action from him. He was satisfied that 
he had acted in an honest and honorable manner, and had 
no reason to reproach himself, though the difference be- 
tween a local and general issue he was beginning to see 
more clearly. A short time afterward he met President 
Mitchell, and following this interview he better understood 
the issues and was satisfied that President Mitchell was 
displaying a generalship that for wisdom and sagacity 
could not be questioned. He took up the matter along the 
broader lines, recognizing that the smaller interests must 
be subordinated to the larger and more important. After 
this he labored in conjunction with President Mitchell to 
bring about the meeting of the miners and operators, with 
Archbisho]) Ryan as the mediator, and did all in his power 
to effect a seltlement. Toorether thev visited the Philadel- 

54 



SENSATIONAL MEETING AT JEDDO. 



phia prelate and other men of influence in the commercial 
centres of the East. The priest tried to reach the larger 
operators and to induce them to either yield to the demands 
of the men or submit a proposition. But they were not 
3'^^et ready. 




55 



CHAPTER VIII. 

HIS STRENUOUS EFFORTS TO BRING OPERATORS AND MINERS 
TOGETHER. COMES TO AID OF MINE WORKERS AND 
MAKES THE FIRST PUBLIC APPEAL IN THEIR BEHALF. 

As the strike was now on in full force and the claims 
of gains by the men or companies were being made alter- 
nately, interest in the events of each passing day increased 
throughout the country. Hazleton being the headquar- 
ters for the leading spirits in the contest, it became virtu- 
ally the storm centre. While the mines of other districts 
were shut down tight and no effort was being made to 
turn a wheel, excitement about the Hazleton district was 
at times intense. 

During it all Father Phillips remained the one man, 
outside of President Mitchell, to whom the public looked 
for some definite information regarding the progress of 
the strike, or the negotiations that were being made to 
bring about a settlement. He was importuned day and 
night by anxious newspaper correspondents for inter- 
views and for expressions as to the state of affairs. Let- 
ters and telegrams poured in upon him. Newspapers 
wired him for an opinion, but he declined to be drawn 
into the controversy. He did not relinquish his efforts to 
bring about an adjustment, however, and in every way 
possible he labored to improve the chances of victory for 
the men. 

56 



STATEMENT FOR THE PRESS. 



On the Sunday following his appearance at Jeddo he 
took occasion at the early service in St. Gabriel's Church 
to express his views on the Jeddo situation, although he 
did not recede from his position as it related to the offer 
of the operators there. As a teacher of moral truths he 
fully appreciated that anything he might say in a casual 
way, or even after deliberation, relative to this matter, was 
likely to be distorted, and by a hostile press made to appear 
as a reversal of his former position on the arbitration prop- 
osition. The difference between a local and a general 
contest, while admitting of distinction, would be denied 
by the opposition. He was, therefore, extremely careful 
of his utterances in this respect, and only once, the occa- 
sion mentioned, referred to it from the pulpit. He also 
made a statement for the public which was given to the 
press on the preceding Saturday night, and which fully 
explained his position, as it did also the influences which 
operated to broaden his views on the strike question 
proper. This statement he had prepared with some care, 
for, as subsequent events proved, a hostile press endeav- 
ored to assail him for the apparent desertion of the side 
which had assumed to hold his entire sympathy and to 
command his undivided support. The statement best sus- 
tains his position and was as follows : 

"I quite agree with the various newspaper correspond- 
ents writing from here that the situation has taken a new 
phase and is, therefore, less hopeful. If the executive 
officials of big coal carrying companies have been cor- 
rectly quoted by to-day's papers, arbitration is no longer 
a means to the end desired by the general public — namely, 

57 



LIFE OF FATHER PHILLIPS. 

a discontinuance of the conflict between labor and capital. 
This is specially unfortunate at this time, when the light 
appeared at the window. There is, then, no alternative but 
a hght to the finish between organized labor and organ- 
ized capital. Honest effort for peace has been throttled, 
and, since reason, justice and mercy will not be heard, the 
operator must either arrogate to himself the title of coal 
king and sway his sceptre over unwilling subjects, or the 
miner must meet the issue by renewed efforts to deplete 
the market by complete prevention of production. 

"This is deplorable, as it would be unnecessary if the 
operators remembered that public interests demand joint 
conference or arbitration. and are to be preferred tothepri- 
vate interests of mine owners. Is there no further way 
of preventing what now appears to be inevitable? I must 
confess I see none, unless the meeting between x\rchbishop 
Ryan, of Philadelphia, and the coal officials in New York 
proves to be more than as President Olyphant and Presi- 
dent Truesdale are alleged to have said in an informal 
conversation on current events. Archbishop Ryan is a 
man among men, a distinguished patriot and citizen who 
loves the masses wdthout detracting from usefulness 
of the classes, who sees in society the dependence of pov- 
erty on wealth, and the obligations of the rich towards the 
poor; but who, on the other hand, recognizes in all the re- 
lations of life that justice and fair play for everybody, 
rich and poor, employer and employee, are the founda- 
tions of all prosperity — civic, religious and national. 
The liand is now writing on the wall the awful responsi- 

58 



STATEMENT FOR THE PRESS. 



bility. Whose name shall be written — operator or 
miner ? 

'*I appeal to men of capital who control the destinies of 
143,000 miners, and indirectly the happiness of millions, 
to pause in their determination to crush the hands and 
hopes of peace raised in prayer. Justice is not always 
blind, and, despising the god of peace, they cannot with 
impunity despise the god of war and the god of ven- 
geance. And, after all, what is there in store for each of 
us but six feet of ground which will make us all of one 
size. The blood and wretchedness of Shenandoah, to-day 
in tears, will cry to heaven for vengeance. Will the 
warning be heeded ? There is still time for peace, but if 
war be inevitable and the miner be denied a conference, 
•denied arbitration, and he must as an American free man 
-decide for himself and his wretched fireside — then, I say, 
if he strikes as a unit, making the cause of one the cause 
of all, may God grant that in the end he will triumph. 

"This is my first jarring tone in all that I have said 
and done in the unhappy situation. I do not, and never 
will, recede from the position I publicly took in the labor 
meeting last Wednesday at Jeddo. G. B. Markle & Co. 
have taught the miners and operators alike a wholesome 
lesson of justice and fair play in solemnly professing a 
determination to adhere to their old agreement with their 
employees. Ethics, common honesty and public sympa- 
thy have not been appealed to by them in vain, and to-day 
they occupy the unique position among coal operators of 
professing an abiding faith in the principle of arbitration 
as the safest and surest v/ay of bringing their employees 

59 



LIFE OF FATHER PHILLIPS. 



in closest touch and sympathy with them for their mutual 
interest, and the best interests of the communities centered 
in and about Hazleton. 

"On the other hand, while I shall always speak of them 
in accents of praise and shall regard disloyalty to them by 
their employees as bad faith, most regrettable under the 
circumstances ; yet, I cannot close my eyes to the fact that 
100,000 and more of their brothers in toil and struggle 
jiud fiercest battle, are appealing to them in behalf of a 
common cause. These men, dealing with less generous 
and less just employers, cannot rise with the more 
fortunate at Jeddo. but by force of example grow weak, 
and on the principle that coal mined at Jeddo and sent to 
the needy market crying for and demanding fuel, 
strengthens the hands of the enemy, they must fail if 
fighting without them. 

"If this be so, and mutual interest demands concerted 
action, the men of Jeddo, hesitating between honor due to 
obligation and solemn agreement, as well as affection to 
kind-hearted employers on the one hand, and allegiance t » 
the cause of labor and sacrifice for their brothers in mortal 
conflict on the other, it seems to me that they can best de- 
cide for themselves what course they must pursue. As for 
me, my place to-day is, as it always has been, with the 
.struggling masses, strengthening their relations with 
classes, directing and leading them in prosperity, not 
abandoning them in adversity, fighting their battles with 
them and for them, guiding and guarding them from ma- 
terial as well as spiritual evil. 

60 



STATEMENT FOR THE PRESS, 



"They are the children of labor, now denied a hearing, 
and since mammon on its throne has closed the doors 
against peace without dishonor and slavery, I raise my 
voice for the first time in favor of the strike, and may God 
bless every man and woman in the land who contributes 
in any way to its successful issue, which means better food, 
better clothes and nobler conditions for the men behind the 
pick and the drill." 

The publication of this statement excited considerable 
discussion. The opposition to the miners' movements re- 
garded it as a desertion of their own cause. They had 
misconstrued the Jeddo meeting by concluding that Father 
Phillips was unalterably opposed to the advocates of labor. 
It was nothing more than the renewal of allegiance to the 
general cause of labor, subordinating the minor issues to 
the broader field represented in the three anthracite coal 
districts. But if there were expressions of disapproval 
made at once by those of the locality who felt displeased, 
there were others who expected to make it the medium for 
a general bombardment of the labor cause. With that end 
in view, the correspondent of the New York Sun, then 
vigorously championing the cause of the operators, called 
on Father Phillips a few days later and by insidious inquiry 
endeavored to have him recount the experiences of the 
Jeddo meeting. Father Phillips declined positively to be 
drawn into the controversy or to be made the battering 
ram for an assault upon labor's battlements. The effort 
was a failure. The disappointment suffered was after- 
ward reflected in the assaults made upon the priest. But 
they fell short in the original purpose, and the intended ef- 
fect soon dissipated. 

6i 



LIFE OF FATHER PHILLII'S. 



The contest was now being waged with vigor on both 
sides. Several conflicts had taken place, and State sol- 
diers were kept on the county lines. The Jeddo district 
continued to be the hotbed for strife among the strikers and 
workmen who insisted on remaining at the mines. 

On September 28. Father Phillips again visited Phila- 
delphia and called on Archbishop Ryan. President Mitch- 
ell was then working in conjunction with the priest in the 
effort to bring about a settlement. Their efforts continued 
jointly in this way. Of course, the Union President had 
other influences at work, but Father Phillips did not 
cease his individual efforts until the end. When the an- 
nouncement that hostilities were likely to cease was receiv- 
ed, it was hailed by no one with greater delight than the 
pastor of St. Gabriel's. Much had transpired during the 
campaign in which parties to both sides were concerned, 
the prudence of which might admit of question. But 
throughout it all no one could cast the slightest reflection 
upon the intentions, sincerity, perseverance and effective- 
ness of the work of Father Phillips. He made sacrifices 
that were quite extraordinary, and fullv demonstrated that 
in any movement tending to benefit society in general it 
would be impossible to find a warmer or more enthusiastic 
advocate. 



62 



CHAPTER IX. 

THE SECOND LABOR MOVEMENT. THREATS OF ANOTHER 
STRIKE. FATHER PHILLIPS DEVISES A PLAN TO MEET 
THE ISSUES AND SECURE A SETTLEMENT WITHOUT DIS- 
HONOR TO EITHER SIDE. 

During the months of November and December, 1900. 
and January and February, 1901, working time at the 
mines of the anthracite district had been quite satisfac- 
tory to miners and the business public. As the terms of 
settlement of the September strike stipulated that the 
prevailing rates of wages would continue until April i, 
anxiety again began to manifest itself early in March, 
and the labor leaders again became active. The coal com- 
panies were now thoroughly impressed with the strength 
of the organization which they had so strenuously 0]> 
posed five months previously. They fully appreciated 
that something would have to be done on their part, not 
only to protect their own interests direct, but to meet the 
demands of that stupendous power — public opinion. 
This influence, although silent, was a factor that could 
not be ignored, and, as had been demonstrated, the coal 
operators were fully alive to its trend. That they had 
been noting events in a general v/ay was shown on March 
9., when the larger shippers of anthracite posted notices 
at their mines informing their employees that the Septem- 
ber scale v/onld be continued for another year. 

(:3 



LIFE OF FATHER PHILLIPS. 



Without regard to the merits of the movement, it un- 
doubtedly had the effect of complicating matters for the 
delegates who had already been elected by the various 
United Mine Workers' locals to attend the Hazleton Con- 
vention. While granting the monetary demands, it at 
the same time put in doubt the matter of recognition for 
the Union, which had been the great bone of contention. 
It was evident that unless the men accepted this as recog- 
nition there would likely be friction in Convention, and 
perhaps result in another declaration of war. The Con- 
vention opened in Hazleton on March 12, and for four 
days the delegates discussed the situation. It finally end- 
ed at noon on Saturday, March 16, with a declaration for 
strike or recognition by April i. 

The September-October struggles preceding were re- 
called. Business was again prostrated and uneasiness 
prevailed throughout the region. During the sessions of 
the Convention Father Phillips was called upon by many 
of the delegates at his home, but beyond entertaining them 
in this way he did not figure in their deliberations. It 
was after the close of the Convention and the men had re- 
turned to their homes that the priest began to take an 
active interest in current events. The headquarters of the 
Union leaders had been transferred to Scranton and but 
little outside interest centered in Hazleton. The time for 
an adjustment was comparatively short. The action of 
the operators told the observant citizen that they were de- 
termined not to accord the Union direct recognition. Talk 
of strike again was taken up and with avidity discussed by 
the newspapers. Reports from labor headquarters did 

64 



THREATS OF ANOTHER STRIKE. 



not show much encouragement for the desired meeting. 
Business men were again agitated, though no one seemed 
to think that personally they could be of any assistance in 
bringing about a conference. 

Not so with Father Phillips. He reasoned that gen- 
eral apprehension, remaining passive, would be of little 
value in impressing parties to the momentous controversy, 
and public opinion in its lethargic state would be impotent. 
He conceived the idea of instituting a joint movement on 
part of the Boards of Trade of Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, 
Hazleton and Pottsville. His purpose in this was to 
first arouse the public to a sense of the danger menacing 
the anthracite belt from the Lackawanna to the Northum- 
herland lines. In this entire territory it was well known 
that a second strike would be disastrous to general indus- 
trial conditions, and from it was likely to spring evils that 
would leave a blighting effect for many years to come. 
He also felt that as an individual he could do but little to 
temper public opinion so as to exert the desired influence 
upon the issues and upon the parties to the contest. Ev- 
erybody seemed to see and admit the danger, but no other 
man manifested a disposition to take the initiative. While 
individual opinions were freely expressed in that vast and 
important industrial section of Pennsylvania, embracing- 
ing a million souls at least. Father Phillips was the only 
private citizen who dared to do. While the parties to the 
controversy in a direct way were the coal operators and 
the United Mine Workers of America, the public at large 
was quite as deeply interested, and in the event of a clash 
would have as much at stake as operators or miners. A 

65 



LIFE OF FATHER PHILLIPS. 

second strike at that time would have paralyzed business, 
ruined innumerable small tradesmen and depopulated 
many of the mining towns of the hard coal region. 

It was necessary to introduce that third interest in or- 
der to force recognition generally, and in that way excite 
an influence \\'hich would act as a leverage in pressing 
the demand for an adjustment. Of course, the c[uestion 
of dignity, sacrifice and settlement without dishonor was 
not lost sight of. This was a feature of the plan which 
Father Phillips h.ad in mind when he took the first active 
steps in the premises. It was the feature wdiich required 
the handling of a diplomat and the best thought of a prac- 
tical mind. While polish and elocjuence are good things 
in approaching the representatives of great organizations, 
he considered the individual offering a suggestion 
must have something more substantial than an 
appeal for generosity or liumanity in order to 
get attention in a case such as the one in hand. 
His experience with th.e coal operators during the Octo- 
ber strike had shown him that while the individual ap- 
pealing in behalf of society would be entertained and 
courteously treated, to get results he must have some 
sort of a business proposition having a means to an end, 
and that end must operate in no way to the disadvantage 
of tlie party to v\-hom the proposition is made. 

In the resolutions passed at the Hazleton Convention 
cf miners. Father Phillips found his proposition. The 
issue w^as recognition of the Union. The proposition of 
the coal companies, already published, while not satisfac- 

' 66 



THREATS OF ANOTHER STRIKE. 



tory to the Union in the tacit acknowledgment of its power 
and demands, gave the peace advocates hope. 

Not caring to trust entirely to his own judgment in tak- 
ing up the Board of Trade movement, Father Phillips 
consulted with the President of the Hazleton Board of 
Trade, L. O. Emm.erich. To that gentleman he explained 
his views. Mr. Emmerich, who is a mining engineer, and 
a man of considerable experience, regarded the plans of 
the priest with favor and assisted him in reaching the 
Board of Trade representatives in the several cities of 
the anthracite region. 

While he was at work organizing his movement with 
these influential bodies, President Mitchell and his ad- 
visers were endeavoring to reach the operators through 
their own channels. The published reports at the time 
were quite discouraging, and each day matters grew ap- 
parently more threatening. That a strike would take 
place on April i seemed inevitable. Although there had 
been comparative contentm.ent among the miners of the 
hard coal region, it was accepted that, with the issuance 
of any order from President Mitchell, his army of toilers 
would respond to a man. The resolutions passed at the 
Convention, while divided on the matter of final disposi- 
tion, were sufficiently emphatic for recognition of the 
Union that nothing short of a conference between Union 
representatives and coal operators would avert a strike. 
The industrial world was interested in this contest. Many 
of the operators who submitted to the public interviewer 
declared that there could not possibly be a conference 
such as the men demanded. Notices received by Presi- 

67 



LIFE OF FATHER PHILLIPS. 



dent Mitchell from two corporations offered little encour- 
agement, and speculative opinion tended towards strike. 

During this time Father Phillips was quite optimistic 
in view. Again and again he said there would be no 
strike, but when pressed for his reasons he declined to 
give them. There were others, of course, who declared 
there would be no clash on April i between capital and la- 
bor; but no intelligent reason therefor w^as vouchsafed. 
The situation did not seem to warrant any confidence in 
such predictions. The statements made by President 
Mitchell were in no way promising. 

Father Phillips was all this time busily engaged pre- 
paring for the movement of the Boards of Trade. This 
work was being conducted quietly. It became public 
first through the Scranton end. On the 21st Father Phil- 
lips, in referring to the joint movement, made this pub- 
lic explanation : 

"The presidents or secretaries of the Boards of Trade 
of Scranton, Wilkesbarre, Pottsville and Hazleton were 
to meet in New York to-morrow and call on Bishop Pot- 
ter and Archbishop Corrigan, who, I have the assurance, 
would call on J. P. Morgan ; but to-day I was in commu- 
nication with a member of the firm of J. P. Morgan & 
Co. and was informed that that gentleman was in the 
South and would not return till next week. However, 
I have been placed in communication with Mr. Morgan 
and will try to reach him at once with the view of mak- 
ing an appointment upon his return. Until then we can- 
not do anything, and the Boards of Trade have been so 
notified to postpone the trip. 



THREATS OF ANOTHER STRIKE. 



"This committee will be a third party and will repre- 
sent public interests. We are not going to make the visit 
for the purpose of dictating the policy to be pursued by 
Mr. Morgan, but to explain the sentiments of the pub- 
lic." 

This statement gave the first definite public informa- 
tion of the work and purpose of the priest. In discussing 
the project with a caller at his home on South Wyoming 
street, he made his views clearer and the manner in which 
he hoped to reach the controlling figure, Mr. J. P. Mor- 
gan. His remarks on this occasion were substantially as 
follows : 

"There is nothing further to be said about the matter 
until I hear from Mr. Morgan. I am, however, suffi- 
ciently confident of the outcome of our visit to say without 
hesitation that I believe implicitly in its success. Our 
duty in the premises is not to discuss the points in conten- 
tion, but to bring capital and labor together in a way that 
must prove satisfactory to the mine workers and will not 
be objectionable to the operators. How this will be 
done is our little plan, which might not, of course, be as 
easy as I think, yet its simplicity and effectiveness will, I 
am sure, commend itself to Mr. Morgan and the operators 
as well as the mine workers. The technical objection 
to recognition, the real difficulty, will be overcome with- 
out being destroyed. The proposition we will make to 
Mr. Morgan, by way of a suggestion, of course, will open 
the door to amicable settlement, and we will trust to Mr. 
Morgan and Mr. Mitchell to do the rest. One thing the 
public can rest assured of, while we recognize the power 

69 



LIFE OF FATHER PHILLIPS. 

of appeal and the force of sympathy and influence at our 
command in New, York, we will approach Air. Morgan, 
not as dreamers, relying on the gospel of humanity, but 
as business men, and with a business proposition which 
I am confident will meet not only his approval, but also, 
which is of \'ital importance, the approval of the operators 
and mine workers, who, I take it for granted, are sincere 
when they say they are desirous of avoiding a strike. In 
the event of a delay in Mr. Morgan's return to New York, 
as time is now pressing, I may go there, and, through the 
courtesy of his firm, get in touch with him through the 
long distance telephone, and subm.it my plan or proposi- 
tion. Should I fail in that, I will call upon the coal 
presidents in New York whom I met last fall, and who 
cannot have disagreeable recollections of my visit. It 
is the duty of every man of any responsibility to do what 
lie can to avert public calamity. I have had no little 
share in doing it before, and surmounted greater difft- 
culties than the one now confronting us, and with God's 
lielp I will devote every energy to the task in hand, not 
-for the sake of labor alone, for that would be mere dem- 
agogy, but also for the protection of capital, on which 
labor must at all times depend, but more especially for 
the great wide public of every craft and industry, now 
absolutely at the mercy of the operators and mine work- 
ers, glaring at each other through a picket fence. Some- 
body must open the gate, and I will be greatly disap- 
pointed if we fail to open it in a week. I am, of course, 
presuming on the sincerity of the operators and mine 
workers. The insincerity of either will defeat our plans. 

70 



THREATS OF ANOTHER STRIKE. 



In any case we will put it to the severest test and make 
it clear to the whole public where the responsibility will 
rest if, in spite of reason, justice and mercy, a strike be 
declared, with its untold evils." 

When this statement was made Father Phillips had 
just left the telephone over which he had been in com- 
munication with the office of J. P. Morgan & Co., in 
New York. His business with Mr. Morgan was ex- 
plained to the gentleman at the distant end of the line 
who was a member of the firm. While the proposition 
which he desired to lay before Mr. Morgan was not ex- 
plained in detail, the treatment accorded the priest gave 
him assurance that he would be accorded a hearing in 
person. He naturally felt elated, and it was with confi- 
dence that he spoke of the prospective outcome. He was 
instructed to submit the nature of his business with Mr, 
Morgan in writing, which suggestion was followed. 




71 



CHAPTER X. 

THE PARISH PRIEST MEETS THE GREAT FINANCIER. HIS 
HOPES FOR PEACEFUL SETTLEMENT AND BETTER RELA- 
TIONS BETWEEN LABOR AND CAPITAL STRENGTHENED. 

While Father PhilHps was arranging to meet Mr. Mor- 
gan, President Mitchell and his associates of the United 
Mine Workers had already gone to New York. It was 
feared for a time that a series of independent movements 
would bring about a collision Avhich might interfere with 
the outcome. Father Phillips was not acquainted with 
the plans contemplated by President Mitchell, and for a 
time he hesitated, fearing that possibly his move would 
retard the progress of the labor leader. On March 25, 
Father Phillips received a special delivery letter through 
the New York office of J. Pierpont Morgan & Co., stating 
that Mr. Morgan would see his committee on the 27th, be- 
tween I and 3 p. m. Up to this time nothing definite had 
been announced by the labor leaders, though a series of 
movements had taken place. 

It was now necessary for the priest to get his commit- 
tee together. It soon became evident that the proposi- 
tion which at first met with general approval was not to 
be carried out so easily. When it came to summoning 
the committee, members were otherwise engaged. Fa- 
ther Phillips went to New York on the 26th, placing the 
work of gathering a delegation to follow later, in the 



THE PRIEST AND THE FINANCIER. 



hands of the Secretary of the Hazleton Board of Trade, 
A, T. MacAlHster. They had arranged to meet in the 
Astor House, New York, next day. 

Upon his arrival in New York, Father PhilHps found 
the labor leaders and conferred with them, so that they 
might work in harmony. Next morning Messrs. A. T. 
MacAllister and William Lauderbach, representing the 
Hazleton Board of Trade, arrived at the Astor House, 
v/here they met Father Phillips. The appointment with 
Mr. Morgan was for i 130 p. m. The Pottsville delega- 
tion had started for the metropolis over another route 
and it was noon before they arrived. The fear that this 
delegation would not reach there in time considerably 
worried the priest during the morning. He remarked to 
a member of the committee that his motives seemed to be 
misconstrued and he felt discouraged. He also made the 
prophetic remark that it would be the last time on which 
he would undertake a work of that kind. 

At noon J. H. Zerbey, President of the Pottsville Board 
of Trade, and W. L. Marquardt, of the same city, ar- 
rived. The appearance of the Pottsville gentlemen great- 
ly pleased the priest and he expressed his appreciation. 
A meeting was at once held by the committee. Father 
Phillips was made Chairman and the situation was dis- 
cussed and plans outlined. 

At I 130 o'clock the committee called at the office of J. 
P. Morgan & Co., No. 23 Wall Street. They were then 
informed that Mr. Morgan would confer with them at 
3 130 o'clock. In the meantime various stock rumors 
were circulated, and among these was one stating that 

73 



LIFE OF FATHER PHILLIPS. 

the financier had declined to meet the committee of busi- 
ness men from tlie coal regions. This was for effect on 
the market. The visitors were then hovering about the 
money centre of the country and considerable excitement 
prevailed. From the time of their arrival in New York 
until they left the office of J. P. Morgan & Co., they were 
pursued by an army of newspaper correspondents, 
artists, specialists, Bohemians and Philistines. When 
they made their appearance on Wall Street the country 
priest and his little band of followers became the centre of 
attraction. While it does not take much ordinarily to 
attract a Gotham crowd, the vicinity of the world's finan- 
cial centre does not often present a scene where curiosity 
supersedes speculation and the Exchanges are deserted 
for a glimpse of countrymen. That is what happened on 
this occasion. From old Trinity Church, on Broadway, 
great crowds of men jammed Wall Street as far as the 
Morgan's office, and the police had no little difficulty in 
making an opening for traffic. The committee was fol- 
lowed to the door of the banking house and here further 
progress of the curious was barred. 

The interview lasted for about fifteen minutes. The 
Pennsylvanians with other visitors had taken seats in the 
reception room to w^ait the convenience of Mr. Morgan. 
Although there were many persons there ahead of them, 
all anxious to get a minute with the modern Croesus, some 
of whom had been waiting the greater part of the day, 
the committee had been there but a short time when a 
gentleman appeared in the door leading from the private 
apartment. He made a hasty survey of his callers and at 

74 



THE PRIEST AND THE FINANCIER. 



once picked out the gentleman of clerical garb as the coal 
region priest. He walked straight over to Father Phil- 
lips and his party, greeted them cordially and conducted 
them into his private office. 

Just what transpired at this meeting was never made 
public. Father Phillips saw at once that the financier was 
not ignorant of the situation in the mining region, and he 
was thus enabled to submit his proposition without waste 
of time. Mr. Morgan, too, appreciated that he was con- 
ferring with a man who was capable of viewing things 
between the two extremes, and was frank in his expres- 
sions of good will and kindly disposition towards the suc- 
cess of the project in hand. When leaving the office Fa- 
ther Phillips and his friends were conducted to the street 
through a rear door, and in that way managed to escape 
the crowds of men who had been waiting for their reap- 
pearance on Wall Street. When they reached the hotel, 
however, they found that the newspaper correspondents 
bad preceded them, for they had already collected there 
in large numbers. 

To give out a statement of some kind was necessary. 
It was then too late for stories floated for speculative pur- 
poses to have any serious effect on the market for the day. 
The committee held another meeting and decided to is- 
sue a brief statement, which explained how they regarded 
the interview and its possible outcome. The statem.ent 
was as follows : 

"Mr. J. P. Morgan received our committee most cor- 
dially, and assured us that he Vv^ill do all in his power to 
make our mission of peace successful." 

75 



LIFE OF FATHER PHILLIPS. 



All attempts to have the priest repeat the conversation 
with Mr. Morgan failed, but he later gave an explanation 
from which it might be inferred. This was as follows: 

"The threatened strike in Eastern Pennsylvania will 
not, in my opinion, occur. Thanks to the genius and 
diplomacy of President Mitchell and the friendly offices 
and the all-powerful influence of J. P. Morgan, a basis 
for future harmony has been reached without the least 
friction. 

"Our conference with Mr. Morgan satisfied him, us 
and the public. We regard it as an historical link between 
capital and labor, which, I hope, will remain unbroken. 
My dream has been finally realized in the mastery of in- 
tellect over force as representing the selfish policy of em- 
ployer and the resort to war by the employee. 

"Time has wrought wonders in the labor world, effect- 
ing a happy condition impossible half a year ago. Then 
Mr. Mitchell and the United Mine Workers were prac- 
tically strangers in Northeastern Pennsylvania and New 
York. Now Mitchell's name is synonomous in Wall 
Street with conservatism and safe leadership. A confi- 
dence has been established in the labor organization 
which must eventually convince the individual operators 
of the value of joint conference in time of peace to pre- 
vent war." 

The following day President Mitchell and the district 
officers who accompanied him left New York for Wilkes- 
Barre. Father Phillips went with theni. They were 
met in the Luzerne shire town by an enthusiastic throng 

76 



[THE PRIEST AND THE FINANCIER. 



of citizens. A Convention had been called, which was to 
be attended by, the members of the Executive Committee. 
No definite information had yet been given out, and Pres- 
ident Mitchell steadfastly refused to discuss the question. 

Father Phillips remained in Wilkes-Barre until after 
the meeting adjourned, when the announcement was made 
that the terms of the operators would be accepted by the 
United Mine Workers, and peace and uninterrupted in- 
dustrial conditions in the anthracite coal fields for one 
year at least were assured. 

Father Phillips felt jubilant over the outcome. A 
clash between the coal worker and operator had been 
averted. What he had done towards securing a peaceful 
settlement gave him no concern. While gratified with 
the immediate outcome, he felt satisfied that for the future 
it had greater significance. What assurance he had for 
forming a conclusion in this respect only himself knew. 
He had faith in a joint conference, and that it would be 
accepted by operators ultimately he fully believed. 

The following view of the general situation and his 
estimate of the parties to the controversy given by him af- 
ter the decision of the Executive Board was made public, 
shows that he held a bright view of the future : 

"Thank God the suspense is now over ! I congratulate 
the United Mine Workers on the splendid impression sus- 
tained during the past year and now confirmed, which 
will bind the whole public to them in gratitude and future 
support. Personally, I congratulate President Mitchell 
on his statesmanlike handling of the grave problem of ad- 

77 



LIFE OF FATHER PHILLIPS. 



jiistment since the Hazleton convention. The operators 
must now reahze that the miners have piaced at the helm 
rjien who are worthy of respect and confidence, and wlio, 
while contending for fair and equitable treatment in the 
conduct of mining, demand only the right due intelligent 
labor. 

"Joint conference is but delayed and the prejudice of 
years which denied to the miner the right to value his la- 
bor is fast disappearing in the dawn of a new era. when 
operator and miner, having mutual interest in humming 
collieries and loaded cars from mine to tidewater, will 
safeguard the capitalist who invests, the workman who 
produces and the public depending on both. Tliis safe- 
guard I believe to be some method of joint conference ac- 
ceptable to both. Its coming is near and sure. 

"The best auspices of its success and permanency is the 
belief that it will be welcomed by the operator as the sur- 
est protection for investment and industry. The value of 
the United Mine Workers' organization will be best evi- 
denced in the power and authority which can not only sus- 
pend work for a cause, but can prevent and will prevent 
the stoppage of w-ork or strike without cause. Thus will 
strikes be rare and never without a cause. It is for this 
the mine workers are contending and the benefit which 
will be derived will be shared by operator, miner and pub- 
lic alike. Again and again. I say that the decision of the 
national and district officers delights me beyond expres- 
sion and will gladden the hearts and homes of a million 
people towards whom the arms of a prosperous year are 
widely extended." 

78 



THE PRIEST AND THE FINANCIER. 



Since the settlement of the latest labor difficulty in 
190 1 considerable speculation has been indulged in re- 
gardrng the interview between Father Phillips and J. P. 
Morgan, and the influence that he exercised on the set- 
tlement of the strike. After his return home Father 
Phillips frecjuently referred to the occasion, but . at no 
time did he attempt to take credit for having brought 
about a meeting between President Mitchell and repre- 
sentatives of the Morgan interests. It Vvas held by some 
enterprising speculators that a man, said to be the son of 
Mark Hanna, but who was reall}' John Mitchell, was in 
attendance at the conference, and that question was asked 
Father Phillips, but to such inquiries the priest merely 
smiled. He at no time took credit to himself for the 
meeting or the circumstance which was regarded as tant- 
amount to a recognition of the Union. In fact, this was 
secondary, since the great desideratum., a settlement of 
the difficulty, had been arrived at. 

Father Phillips had not engaged in the Vv^ork of ad- 
justment with the view of profiting himself in any way 
whatever. Fie was guided solely by the principle which 
prompts sacrifice of self for humanity. To promote the 
welfare and happiness of society was with him a cardinal 
principle, and where the exigency demanded a sacrifice he 
vvas always ready to make it. No matter what was the 
direct influence that induced Mr. Morgan to assure the 
priest that he would "do all in his power to make the 
mission of peace successful," the fact that public opinion 
had been excited principally through the efforts of the 
pastor of St. Gabriel's Church, Hazleton, v\'ill remain as 
an evidence of his sagacity, genius and far-seeing qual- 



LIFE OF FATHER PHILLIPS. 



ities. Had the public remained passive, and had no ef- 
fort been made in the September or March contests to 
arouse this power, the chances for adjustment would 
have been more remote, and public and private losses cor- 
respondingly greater. In its issue of April i the Phila- 
delphia Ledger gave Father Phillips full credit as being 
the medium by which satisfactory terms for settlement 
were arrived at, and the sole influence by which the 
anthracite coal belt was saved from the rigors and dis- 
tress of another strike. Other editorial writers took a 
like view and gave him unstinted praise for his work, and 
the laboring world joined in the plaudits of the press. 
In this latest movement there had been no mistakes and 
no one would attempt to deny the brilliancy of the man 
nor the earnestness and devotion with which he worked 
for the cause of humanity. He had achieved such a 
measure of success that falls to but a few men, and yet 
it was but a fraction of the good work that he had mapped 
out for himself, and would, had God spared him, have 
carried to a finish with even greater benefit to the public 
and distinction to himself as a citizen, a man and the ser- 
vant of God. 




80 



CHAPTER XI. 

TIIS EFFORTS FOR HARMONY AND IN BEHALF OF LABOR 
SHOW RESULTS AFTER DEATH. 

That the work done by Father Phillips as a peace- 
maker in life will continue to show good results far into 
the future, there is every reason to believe. The first 
direct and open instance of this is furnished by the settle- 
ment of the several law suits which had been pending in 
the Lackawanna County Courts between John Mitchell, 
President of the United Mine Workers of America, and 
other officials, and Richard Little, editor of a weekly 
newspaper published in Scranton. Now that a settle- 
ment of a difhculty that at one time threatened serious 
effects has been made, it is meet that the influence exert- 
ed by Father Phillips in this direction be made known. 
In view of the fact that only Father Phillips's connection 
Avith the first efforts for peace were made public the occa- 
sion for a full explanation is emphasized. 

During the period of labor troubles the Scranton editor 
criticised a number of the officials of the United Mine 
Workers. His strictures were first resented mildly, 
then openly and emphatically. There were accusations of 
one kind or another until finally there developed a war- 
fare that threatened to destroy character, business and 

everything that interfered with the principals. During 

8i 



LIFE OF FATHER PHILLIPS. 

the Convention of United Mine Workers, held in llazle- 
ton, a resolution was passed, resenting- the assault. This 
added fuel to the flames, and the attacks which had up to 
this time been almost exclusively devoted to local leaders, 
were directed towards President Mitchell. The feeling- 
thus developed was \'ery bitter. To all friends of labor 
it was the cause of much pain. Some of those leaders 
were arrested, charged with conspiracy, and, as the 
Cjuarrel continued, reflections on the national officers of 
the organization were being made more pointedly. 

After the meeting of Father Phillips with Mr. J. P. 
Morgan in New York, and the offer of the coal compan- 
ies had been accepted by the Executive Committee of 
United Mine Workers, President Mitchell addressed a 
letter to Father Phillips. In it he called attention to a 
personal attack made upon him in the Scranton paper. 
He construed it to be an effort to excite a religious preju- 
dice and in that way promote strife within the Union of 
which he was the leader. In concluding this letter he 
asked Father Phillips, if he did not deem it unwise, to 
write a statement for publication which would show that 
the insinuations made in the paper were unjust, and that 
their personal relations were such as to make the attack 
unvv'arranted. 

Father Phillips had not seen the paper, nor had he 
heard of the article referred to until he received this letter. 
He, therefore, could make no reply at the time, but ex- 
pected that copies of the publication would be sent him. 
In view of the nature of the controversy and the vindictive 
spirit manifested, it appeared to those who counselled 



RESULTS OF HIS EFFORTS. 



with the priest that to become in any way a participant 
would be injudicious. After the lapse of some ten 
days copies of the papers were sent to Father Phillips. 
He appreciated that President Mitchell had reason to 
feel keenly the reflections upon his character as a man, and 
his fealty to the United Mine Workers' organization. His 
high regard for President Mitchell could not be shaken 
by such attacks and he wanted to assist him. He did not 
know Editor Little, nor anything of the differences be- 
tween the editor and the labor leaders. He saw in the 
affair a menace not only to official usefulness, but to labor 
itself, and reasoned that no good could come from it for 
the men directly interested, nor to the members of the la- 
bor organization. The editor of the paper had already 
been held for libel on a warrant issued at the instance of 
President Mitchell. Even though the man would be 
convicted in Court, this, to his mind, would be small sat- 
isfaction for the wrong done individuals and the dissen- 
sions which were likely to be promoted by a continuance 
of hostilities. At the same time his position as a priest 
made interference a very delicate matter. This he fully 
understood. He had M^ritten a letter to be sent to the 
Scranton editor and was holding it under advisement 
when a caller who read the offensive article while waiting- 
in the priest's study remarked that the publisher appar- 
ently would not resent peace overtures. This idea at 
once decided Father Phillips. He wrote an addition to 
the original letter, advancing the spirit of conciliation^ 
and suggesting that since the editor claimed to be the 
friend of labor while attacking its acknowledged cliam- 



LIFE OF FATHER PHILLIPS. 



pions, a continuance of such warfare would operate to 
the detriment of organized labor. 

This letter only showed Father Phillips's view at the 
time. It was not understood that he had been asked to 
take part in the controversy, and for that reason his com- 
munication was then regarded by some as an interfer- 
ence. The letter in the main was a reiteration of his high 
regard for President Mitchell and his absolute neutrality 
where religious questions developed between members or 
branches of the organization which he represented. The 
communication appeared in the issue of the paper April 
14, the concluding paragraph of which was as follows : 

"In all fairness, is there not some way for reconcilia- 
tion ? You have done yeoman service for the miners in 
the past and I fear that the present ugly friction will work 
them great harm. You place the responsibility on the 
Mine Workers' officials ; they hold you responsible. Be 
that as it may, the aspect is, to say the least, disheartening 
to those who foresee nothing but harm to the interests of 
labor in unseemly public quarrel. Nothing, in my opin- 
ion, is gained by pillorying the leaders or sending you to 
jail. Again I say, is there no way for reconciliation and 
harmony? So much has been said and written about 
conference initiated by them and by you without effect 
that I am inclined to think there is lack of sincerity some- 
where. Can I be of any service to you ? I feel kindl)^ 
most kindly, to both sides, you and them, and neither can 
ongood ground reject my friendly offices, if the quarrel 
has not gone too fcir. I do not think so ; a disagreement. 
however bitter, can never reach that point where contin- 
... 84 



RESULTS OF HIS EFFORTS. 



ued war is preferable to peace. What is a little humilia- 
tion on each side, or the sacrifice of a little pride, in com- 
parison with public antagonism which has already work- 
ed incalculable mischief to organized labor? I do not 
regard the present attitude of either, but am mindful of 
past services which, in common with all right thinking- 
men, I desire with all my heart to see resumed in labor's 
camp, so that as brothers you may again work together for 
the same cause of uplifted humanity. I am yours to com- 
mand, E. S. Phillips.'' 

Upon receipt of this letter Editor Little visited Hazle- 
ton. He had previously called his friendly correspond- 
ent by telephone and made an appointment. Father Phil- 
lips was for peace. While he urged a withdrawal, he 
could not speak for President Mitchell, though he felt 
justified in asking that a week's time be allowed until he 
could place himself in communication with President 
Mitchell, who had gone to his home in Indianapolis. In 
the next issue of the paper appeared the letter of Father 
Phillips. All caustic references to the labor leaders were 
eliminated in that issue. It was plain that the good 
offices proffered by the priest were welcomed by the 
editor. 

In the course of the following week a letter from Pres- 
ident Mitchell arrived which showed that then he was not 
in the mood for com-promising. But the peacemaker did 
not despair. As he had then become a party to the con- 
troversy he decided to persevere in his efforts for a settle- 
ment of the difficulty. 

85 



LIFE OF FATHER PHILLIPS. 



While the desire for satisfaction in cases of this kind 
is a difficult matter to resist, when the true circumstances 
of the case are understood President Mitchell will be 
given credit for having acted generously and prudently 
for the best interests of the organization lie has so ably 
led thus far, and in the sacrifice which he makes he adds 
another sprig to the wreath which his successful efforts 
in the cause of humanity has bestowed. Although a 
matter apparently between but two men, its bearing upon 
the larger interests of organized labor was none the less 
pronounced, and it was this fact which inspired Father 
Phillips to take the initiative, and pave the way for the 
amicable adjustment which has, since his death, taken 
place. 

President Mitchell's Estimate. 

Upon the announcement of the death of Father Phil- 
Sips, John Mitchell, President of the United Mine Work- 
-ers, when asked for an expression of his regard for the 
priest, made the following statement : 

"Father Phillips, as I knew him, was one oi the most 
earnest advocates for v/hat he believed to be right that I 
have ever known. He always tried to be on the miners' 
side, as I saw it. He rendered the miners invaluable as- 
sistance during the great strike and afterward, up to 
the time of his disappearance. 

"During the strike, when he became convinced that 
my policy in prosecuting the strike was the best one, he 
publicly declared his adherence to the cause and gave 
his unqualified indorsement, taking the most active in- 
terest in carrying forward the work. 

"He was a man of medium height, compactly made, 
athletic, very quiet in his movements. He had a kindly 
and gentle face, a Christian face, a face that without a 

86 



JOHN MITCHELLS ESTIMATE. 



lainisterial garb v/ould indicate that he was a clergy- 
man. His complexion was fair. He had considerable 
color in his cheeks and very large, dark eyes. I never 
saw a man of clearer eyes. As a speaker I have cause 
to have it indelibly imprinted on my memory that he 
was a man of unusual power; this because of an inci- 
dent that occurred during the crucial period of the 
strike. 

"The Markle Company had proposed what, in my judg- 
ment, was a fake arbitration with its men. I had ad- 
Tised the men not to accept. A mass meeting of Mar- 
lile's employees, about 4,000 in number, was called. The 
meeting was held, the men being adaressed from the 
porch of a school house. I spoke to the men, advising 
the course I believed best for them to pursue. Mr. 
Markle then spoke, presenting his side of the question 
with some effect. He then called on Father Phillips 
to fortify the statements he had made. Father Phillips, 
believing the interests of the men would be best served 
by accepting the Markle proposition to arbitrate, made 
a most eloquent appeal. 

"He swayed that great audience wonderfully. He 
turned them all his way by his eloquence, the magic 
of his voice, his well chosen words and the plausible 
arguments he advanced. They all seemed as he ended 
his speech to be with him. I followed him and pre- 
sented the miners' side of the case. 

"The next day Father Phillips came to me. He had 
thought the matter over, and came to my view of the 
case. He invited me to go with him to Archbishop 
Ryan in Philadelphia and ask the Archbishop to act 
as arbiter for the 140,000 idle men in the entire anthra- 
cite coal strike. My position was that arbitration 
should embrace all the companies and all the men pro- 
ducing coal in the anthracite field. In presenting the 
miners' side to the Archbishop, Father Phillips sup- 
ported my arguments, and ever after we have been 
warm, personal friends 

87 



CHAPTER XII. 

FATHER PHILLIPS UNDERTAKES THE WORK OF REUNIT- 
ING THE IRISH FACTIONS AND PAVES THE WAY FOR EF- 
FECTIVE WORK IN THE ENGLISH PARLIAMENT. IN- 
TRODUCTORY REVIEW. 

In his efforts to advance the interests of the Irish race. 
Father PhiUips performed a work that will live long af- 
ter the memory of his achievements in other directions 
shall have passed to oblivion. In uniting the two 
branches of the Ancient Order of Hibernians in America, 
restoring unity, and by it facilitating concerted action in 
Ireland, placing her champions in position to press her 
claims in the English Parliament for justice and a meas- 
ure of fair treatment in general legislation, he performed 
a service that places his name among the leading advo- 
cates of Home Rule, liberty and humanity, ranking him 
with the devoted and self-sacrificing patriot, Charles 
Stewart Parnell, frequently referred to as the "Un- 
crowned King." Had the forum been the scene of such 
signal labors no doubt a better general knowledge of his 
success and sacrifices would prevail. His work was 
done quietly, but no less effectively, and events have 
since demonstrated not only the wisdom of his efforts, 
but also the immeasurable benefit to the Irish races on 
both sides of the Atlantic. 

88 



HIS WORK FOR THE IRISH RACE. 



While he was not an Irishman by birth, he was no less 
devoted to the cause of Ireland. The history of the 
birthplace of his parents was to him an inspiration for ac- 
tion. The tyranny from which the people of that un- 
happy island suffered appealed to his sympathies and ex- 
cited the desire to do something that would aid in bring- 
ing about relief. In his endeavors in this connection 
there were developed traits of character that showed him 
to be a man of extraordinary force, and which undoubt- 
edly fitted him for pursuing in any field any course which 
he laid out for himself. In him were combined diplo- 
macy, courtesy and affability in such a degree that no 
opponent could resent his advances. Had he undertaken 
to lay a case before the English Crown it is doubtful if he 
would have failed, and such a move was not improbable. 
The fight for the amalgamation of the two branches of 
the Ancient Order of Hibernians in this country was at- 
tended by such difficulties at times as to have made the 
purpose seem impossible to carry to a successful issue. 
This opposition did not come wholly from the rank and 
file of the organization itself, but rather from men who. 
enjoying a prestige as factional leaders for many years, 
were loath to relinquish or to approve of any measure that 
threatened to reduce the power which that position gave 
them. And these were not men of the ordinary stamp. 
Indeed, they included some of the shrewdest of the coun- 
try as relates to the leading men of that race. The com- 
plete history of this work can never be written. Only 
Father Phillips himself knew all of the difficulties encoun- 
tered, and it was against his nature to complain where he 

89 



LIFE OF FATHER PHILLIPS. 

concehed the error to be tlie mind rather tlian the h.eart. 
It cannot be charged that this opposition was born of per- 
verse characteristics, but rather of a misunderstanding 
which, with the advance of time, became a conviction, and 
rooted itself so strongly that only the most powerful in- 
l^uences could change. During this struggle there were 
many trips and conferences with leaders taken by Father 
Phillips, of which his intimate friends knew nothing. 
He well understood that if the most influential organiza- 
tion representing the Irish race in the United States was 
to remain divided, effective and advantageous work in 
behalf of the Irishmen abroad, as well as those of this 
country, would be well-nigh impossible. He fully ap- 
preciated that the men for whom his heart beat in sym- 
pathy, while divided, could never attain that position 
which would command attention from the agencies in 
this country so necessary to their material advancement. 
He well understood that the longer they remained apart 
the wider would become the breach, and the more diffi- 
cult it would be to bridge it. He saw in this division one 
of the greatest barriers to their advancement socially, 
and an undermining force that, if not overcome, would 
ultimately end in the promiscuous scattering of the race 
and the utter failure of efforts in behalf of the country 
"by such men as Michael Davitt, John Dillon, Rev. Dr. 
O'Connell, Justin McCarthy and others. 

For years and years men who were sincere and who 
v/ould have sacrificed everything they possessed to pro- 
mote the interests of their native land, labored in vain 
to overcome animosities that were eating away at the 

go 



HIS V/ORK FOR THE IRISH RACE. 



foundation walls of Irish strength, unity and independ- 
ence. With the lapse of time the estrangement grew and 
the dividing influence wormed its way, insidiously until 
only the semblance of organization remained among 
Hibernians in America. The effect among Irishmen 
outside of the organization was equally distressing. At 
home the situation was even worse. The political par- 
ties split upon the shoals of internal dissensions and the 
elements were cast hopelessly adrift. Able men ap- 
peared before the English Parliament advocating the 
cause of Ireland, but with dogged persistence a counter- 
acting influence sprang from their own ranks and de- 
stroyed the work of the patriots. In different parts of 
Ireland factions arose, all resenting the appeals of sin- 
cere leaders. They had learned to regard leadership as 
superior to country. It mattered not who branched out 
as a standard bearer, what talent he possessed, or what he 
might accomplish in behalf of the country, he was certain 
to meet with stubborn resistance from his own people. 
The Parnellites and the Irish Parliamentary Party not 
only fought each other on questions of public interest, 
but there developed a feeling which took on the features 
of a feud. From bad to worse things were growing, and 
the little island presented a most pitiable spectacle. 

The philosophy upon which the government of Eng- 
land has rested holds that the weaker adjacent country 
shall submit to the stronger. To Irishmen the source 
of such reasoning was more detestable than its force 
in applying it themselves. Froude, in his History of Ire- 
land, has portrayed features of Irish character which he 

91 



LIFE OF FATHER PHILLIPS. 



held for centuries operated to the detriment of the race 
and enabled the British to control her. This, he claimed, 
was due to internal strife and the disposition to forget 
fealty to their own organization and their obligations to 
each other. 

How to account for this trait has puzzled historians 
and patriots, but it has been a costly weakness. A friend 
on one occasion asked Father Phillips if he did not re- 
gard it as a racial defect promoted by the introduction of 
the Norman blood at the instance of the English govern- 
ment. With this theory he did not agree and discoursed 
on the subject as follows : 

"History shows us that the sections of the country 
occupied by that element in the earlier centuries remained 
loyal even under the most trying circumstances. My 
impression is that the abnormal desire for leadership is at 
the bottom of this apparent weakness. Irishmen, as a 
rule, make good leaders. They are so constituted that 
they cannot help making a good showing when com- 
manding in the affairs of others. This has developed 
along with a disposition to be in the executive chair 
rather too strongly. The trouble is, too many are dis- 
posed to lead and too few disposed to give up the position 
of director once such distinction is attained, even though 
the sacrifice conserves the best interests of the people. 
In this respect there is something lacking, though under 
other circumstances it would be a grace of which we 
might feel proud. 

"Of course, we cannot lose sight of the fact that the 
clannish tendency in Ireland has not entirely been eradi- 

92 



HIS WORK FOR THE IRISH RACE. 



cated. She absorbed the lessons of early clannish gov- 
ernment. Her Chiefs were numerous from the earliest 
days. She has been slow to accommodate herself to 
changed conditions. She has not kept pace with the 
march of progress, because, unfortunately, she has been 
too busy fighting the tyrant and endeavoring to live. She 
has been denied the chance of development. No ade- 
quate encouragement has been offered to fully divorce her- 
self from the habits of earlier times. While she was 
fighting for liberty, life and for relief from the tyrant's 
yoke the seed of progress in other parts of the world was 
germinating, and its beneficent influences displacing the 
shadows which becloud the pages of history prior to and 
during the formative period. For centuries the tyrant's 
sword had been unsheathed in Ireland. Her soil has been 
irrigated by the blood of her patriots and martyrs. Her 
sacrifices have been perpetual. Despotism is not the 
name for the assaults made upon her by a perverted foe, 
and not even the bitterest or narrowest of historians pre- 
tend to defend them. The attempt to infuse strange 
blood, conceived as it was in infamy, was not successful — 
first, because the light shed by Christianity and Catholic- 
ity was stronger, and, further, because from the first 
European shoot of the Aryan trunk, the Celto-Greco- 
Latin, extends the Celtic branch, and, this being closer to 
the Icelandic than to the Saxon, it was unnatural to sup- 
pose that the mixture, as attempted, would serve the de- 
sired end. The prejudices thus given rein could only re- 
sult in failure. The characteristics peculiar to early 
usages and customs were maintained. As Tacitus said : 

93 



LIFE OF FATHER PHILLIPS. 

'They may be led to obedience, but not to servitude/ 
And as the Chiefs reigned of old, the desire for leader- 
ship remained almost uncontrollable. Instead of this be- 
ing a blessing it has been baneful to the success of her pa- 
triots and the happiness of her people." 

In his experience in uniting the two branches of Hi- 
bernians in America, Father Phillips certainly had op- 
portunity to familiarize himself with this question, and 
he was able to discuss it with some authority. No man 
fought harder, with greater persistence or effectiveness, 
to reconcile the leaders and to place the differences before 
them in such a way as to induce them to see the question 
as he saw it. 

Had he been working in any other capacity than that 
of a patriot who had no personal ambition to promote, it is 
probable that he would not have succeeded in overcoming 
this desire for leadership, and compelling men to under- 
stand that the interests of the Irish people were first in im- 
portance, and the w^ay to promote such interests was to- 
make personal aspirations secondary. 

But in taking up the work of restoring harmony and 
unity. Father Phillips did not contemplate benefit to the 
divided organization alone. He saw that the causes of 
such division were creating strife that had evil effects 
among Irishmen everywhere. The dissensions extend- 
ed over a wide range and operated to the detriment of 
the entire race. To heal the differences, which were 
primarily responsible for the condition, he reasoned,. 
Ayould tend to advance the interests of all. 

94 



HIS WORK FOR THE IRISH RACE. 



At the time he first took up the work he did not kno\v 
how or to what extent the disaffection had spread in 
Ireland. This he learned after his visit to Dublin during 
the session of the Irish Race Convention in 1896. In 
this connection his movements in the work seemed to 
have been influenced by an unseen power, so beneficent 
M^ere they in results. 




c5 



CHAPTER XIII. 

HE VISITS DUBLIN AND ATTENDS THE IRISH RACE CONVEN- 
TION. HIS FIRST SPEECH FOR UNITY. CONFERS WITH 
THE IRISH LEADERS IN PARLIAMENT AND OTHERS. HE 
BECOMES A CONSPICUOUS INTERNATIONAL FIGURE. 

It was in the early part of July, 1896, that the call for 
a Convention of the Irishmen of the world had been issued 
to take place in Dublin. The Parnellites and Irish Par- 
liamentary Party were then divided, and the feeling ex- 
isting was exceedingly bitter. Archbishop Walsh, of 
Toronto, Ont., it was, who inspired the call for this gath- 
ering. Invitations were sent to the various Irish socie- 
ties throughout the world. 

The Ancient Order of Hibernians of Luzerne County, 
Penna., met in Plains, and decided to send a representa- 
tive. There were several names mentioned for the ap- 
pointment. It was perceived at the time by the leading 
spirits that the Dublin assemblage would be attended by 
some of the brightest men of the race. To properly sus- 
tain the Order on such an occasion it was admitted that 
a man of exceptional ability would have to be selected. 
At that time Father Phillips was not a member of the 
organization. Rev. John Finnen. of Pittston, who was 
going to Rome, was consulted, and in his talk with the 
members of the Hibernians he mentioned Father Phil- 
lips as being a man who was capable of sustaining the 
local body, and at the same time of doing something that 

96 



HIS VISIT TO DUBLIN. 



would be a benefit to the race itself. Father Finnen's es- 
timate of the man was not overdrawn. The Hibernians 
called on Father Phillips and made the proposal to him 
of being a delegate. The question was then raised about 
his not being a member of the Order. It was pointed out 
that the constitution made the priest an ex-officio member, 
and this fact avouM overcome any technical objection to 
his selection that might possibly be made by other aspir- 
ing members. Father Phillips at once began an inquiry 
into the principles of the organization, and soon afterward 
was proposed and admitted a member of Division 12, of 
Plains, Luzerne County. Later he was formally elected 
a delegate to the Dublin Convention. 

In view of the circumstances surrounding his election 
this was a mark of special confidence and, as events 
proved, it was a most fortunate selection. The chance of 
doing something of value for his people, and for which 
he had often hoped, was thus presented unexpectedly, 
and it was with feelings of confidence and gratitude that 
he sailed for Dublin, accompanied by his nephew, Dr. An- 
thony Dougherty. 

As had been surmised by the members of the Plains 
Convention, the Dublin Convention was attended by 
many brilliant men. They came from different parts of 
the world, including South Africa, Canada, Nova Scotia, 
Australia, North and South America. Such organiza- 
tions as the National Foresters, Young Ireland Societies 
and Gaelic Clubs sent delegates. The Irish National 
Federation branches were represented by 1,400 dele- 
gates. The gathering was wholly one of Irishmen. It 

97 



LIFE OF FATHER PHILLIPS. 



included Irishmen of all religions. A distingaiished 
scholar. Most Rev. Dr. O'Donnell. Bishop of Raphoe, 
presided. Two distinguished Canadian statesmen, Hon. 
John Costigan and Hon. Edward Blake — the one a Cath- 
olic, the other a Protestant— and the leaders of opposing 
sides in Canadian politics, wer** on tlie platform united on 
the Irish question. Among others on the platform were : 
John Dillon, M. P. ; Justin ^IcCarthy, M. P. : T. P. 
O'Connor, M. P. : Michael Davitt. V\'illiam O'Brien. 

Shortly after his arrival in Dublin, Father Phillips 
opened a conference with the leaders. He learned that 
among the influential men of Ireland there existed a bit- 
ter feeling, and the minority, although weak numerically, 
had such control of legislative affairs that to do effective 
work in Parliament without them was quite impossible. 
The sentiment of the delegates was for unity, and even 
those from Australia and South Africa made impassioned 
speeches for a settlement of the difficulties. The Red- 
mondites and Healyites, who were to join for peace later, 
were not present at the convention, and their organ, The 
Dublin Independent, was keeping up a bombardment 
against the delegates. The attempt to ridicule was with- 
out effect. In the face of such a representative gathering 
it could not have been otherwise. A letter from Pope 
Leo XIII, praying for harmony and the success of the 
Irish legislative plans, was read in Convention. 

Able speeches were delivered by leaders, some of them 
members of Parliament, and men Avho had made their 
marks in different parts of the world. 

98 



ADDRESSED THE IRISH CONVENTION. 



Father Phillips was among the speech-makers on the 
opening day of the Convention in Leinster Hall, Septem- 
ber I, 1896. This address attracted considerable atten- 
tion and showed how thoroughly sincere he was in his de- 
sire to accomplish something of value for his people. 

As an oratorical effort there were many addresses made 
on the floor of the Convention that were superior, but 
none that excited keener enthusiasm or that were punctu- 
ated more frequently with applause. The address was 
brief and to the point and was as follows : 

"Most Reverend Chairman, Fellow-Delegates, Ladies 
and Gentlemen — I did not intend when leaving my home 
in America to make an address at this Convention, for I 
believe, as most Americans believe, and what most Irish- 
men know, that there is, if anything, too much orating 
in Ireland. I came here not to make a speech, but to do 
something. I was not born in Ireland. I would like 
to have been born in Cork or Tipperary after the reputa- 
tion these two worthy children have given of the two 
places. I may say, as we are all giving something of our 
pedigree, that my parents were married at the foot of 
Nephin Beg, and if they had remained there a short time I 
would not have been born in America ; and, as our young 
friend, Dr. Feeley, said, it is no fault of mine if I am not 
an Irishman. I came here to represent the most intensely 
patriotic organization in America— the Ancient Order of 
Hibernians— representing directly about ten thousand 
anthracite coal miners in Pennsylvania, and the particu- 
lar district from which I have come as a delegate is Lu- 
zerne. Therefore, I have a right to speak in behalf of 

99 
LofC. 



LIFE OF FATHER PHILLIPS. 



Irish unity. I have been told by my fellow-members of 
the Ancient Order of Hibernians to counsel unity if neces- 
sary, and it is not necessary to speak of unity, but for 
God's sake to do something for unity and for Ireland. 
Gentlemen, we have heard a great deal about unity. 
That word 'unity' is magnificent all the world over — in 
America, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Great 
Britain, and Ireland, when it is on paper, but I have not 
heard one suggestion as to the means of promoting unity 
in Ireland. I have heard, with which I must disagree, 
•one delegate say tyranny is necessary among the bosses — 
among the leaders. 

"Gentlemen, I think that there is a great deal of trouble 
in the ambitions of leadership, and I hope that out of 
this Convention there will arise one whom Ireland can 
trust. I can't discountenance the magnificent work of 
the present chairman. I admire him for the work that 
he has done; and, as all the speakers have said, and the 
magnificent orator from the North of Ireland has said, 
Ireland is greater than any man, Ireland is greater than 
leaders, and if the leaders be at fault, then the people 
should know how to right the wrong. The people should 
be the law, and should rule. I live in a country in which 
there is government of the people, for the people and by 
the people, and every time I'll swear by the people, be- 
cause the people all united— it makes no difference about 
leaders — the country cannot go wrong. If, gentlemen, 
out of this Convention will come something good for the 
people of Ireland, for the proper representation of the 
people of Ireland, I care not who is leader, or who will 
be the leader, I'll go back to the Patriotic Order of Hiber- 
nians (Board of Erin), and tell them that I did not come 
in vain to the land of my fathers." 

lOO 



CHAPTER XIV. 

THE PLATFORM PASSED AT THE DUBLIN CONVENTION ANI> 
CLOSING SPEECH OF FATHER PHILLIPS. FOUNDATION- 
FOR UNITY LAID. 

The debate on the resolutions submitted at the Dublin- 
Convention lasted three days, during which time leading 
men of the Irish race who had come to the Convention- 
from various parts of the world gave their views, and alE 
appealed for unity. The platform then adopted serves^ 
to-day as the basis for Parliamentary action and the 
guide for Irish advocates in Westminster, as well as an* 
inspiring influence for men of the race in America, and 
their sons. The platform consisted of ten planks, the 
first of which excited the keenest debate and shows how the 
country was suffering from internal dissensions and the 
grave necessity for concerted action. This plank reads as 
follows : 

(i) Reunion. — "Seeing that divisions amongst Irish 
Nationalist representatives paralyze to a great extent their 
power of serving Ireland, cast discredit on the country, 
and tend to alienate the support of the Irish race, and to 
destroy their confidence in the efficacy of Parliamentary^ 
action, we record our firm conviction that it is of the first 
importance to Ireland that the Nationalist representatives 
in Parliament should be reunited into one party ; and, in the 
spirit of the recent resolution of the Irish Party, we de- 



LIFE OF FATHER PHILLIPS. 



clare that, 'In our earnest desire to accomplish that result, 
we are prepared to meet on fair and equal terms all Na- 
tionalists who will join in the attempt to reconstitute a 
united Home Rule Party, in which every support of the 
movement shall be cordially received and justly consider- 
ed, regardless of all past differences, and having regard 
only to his capacity to render service to the common cause.' 
We are glad to observe in the composition of this Con- 
vention and in the spirit shown throughout the country, 
marked evidence of a growing tendency to reunion, and 
we invite the Irish Nationalist Party to take such further 
steps as may to them seem calculated to promote the cause 
of reunion." 

The second plank was a pathetic appeal for unity, and 
the third for Home Rule. The fourth demanded Am- 
nesty for the Irish political prisoners, and the fifth a re- 
vision of the Land Laws. Taxation, Labor, Local Gov- 
ernment, Education and the Gaelic Language made up the 
rest of the resolutions, all of which passed 

While the adoption of the resolutions gave the basis for 
work, there yet remained the division represented in the 
Parnellites, Healyites and Irish Nationalists. The repre- 
sentative men of the race had spoken and practically served 
notice on the other factions that the Irish Nationalists 
alone would be recognized as the Party from which results 
were expected and which merited support. To bring the 
dissenters within the fold Avas the great issue, however, 
and this had excited very serious discussion. The keynote 
for this very important work was sounded by Father Phil- 
lips in a brief speech shortly before adjournment. To 



HIS WORK FOR UNITY. 



^ve him an opportunity of setting forth his views the 
Reverend Chairman, Bishop O'Donnell, said : 

"Gentlemen, I shall propose a more rapid way of getting 
through the other resolutions, and I would put this resolu- 
tion to you now were it not a very distinguished Ameri- 
can priest, Father Phillips, of Pennsylvania, has a word 
to say." 

Father Phillips was greeted with cheers by the Conven- 
tion. His address, as reported by the Dublin Freeman, 
was as follows : 

"I did not intend to add one word to the few remarks 
that I made on the opening day of the Convention, but I 
was so much pleased by the sentiment conveyed by the 
last speaker in regard to general amnesty, when he said 
that the Irish delegates, priests and people, were sending 
to America a feeling of unity, not only towards the men 
who belong to their regular party in Ireland, but to those 
who differ, a general amnesty, I wish to say on behalf of 
the American delegates that our principle is in America 
that 'more flies are caught by molasses than by vinegar' 
(applause). A few days before I left my home I had the 
pleasure of spending a delightful hour with a priest of the 
Diocese of Raphoe, which is represented in so magnifi- 
cent manner by his Lordship, our chairman (loud cheer- 
ing), and he said to me, which I now see verified, that if 
Bishop O'Donnell, of Raphoe, would consent to be present 
at the Convention his spirit of the Irish Nationality would 
dominate the Convention, and a good result must come. 
Now, gentlemen, one of our speakers from America, rep- 
resenting the Irish National Federation, has given prac- 

103 



LIFE OF FATHER PHILLIPS. 



tical proof of the Irish-American loyalty to Ireland by the 
statement he has made of the contributions of Americans, 
as well as of Irish-Americans, and of Irishmen who have 
adopted America as their home, to the Irish cause. But 
he made a remark with which I must in part disagree ; that 
is, that America expects the honorable chairman if he can- 
not rule to crush (cheers). Fourteen years ago I sat and 
worked with Mr. Dillon in America, when he visited that 
country with the late Mr. Parnell. whose soul, I am glad 
to say^ is still marching on. But I think that it is well for 
parties to remember that men have opinions, and that 
these opinions are sometimes honestly expressed; there- 
fore, that the sense of this Convention is, I believe, that we 
extend the olive branch to these men still (applause), 
and I do not think that it is beneath the dignity of the reg- 
ular Irish National Party, through its chairman or in a 
body, to make an appeal. [Mr. Dillon was understood to- 
make some remark.] I wish, therefore, as the honorable 
chairman says, yes (loud cheers), I wish to state on be- 
half of America, on behalf of the greater Ireland here rep- 
resented, that we are all united in believing that the Irish 
Party now represented by the present chairman (cheers) is 
the party of Ireland (renewed cheering). Let me recall 
a sentiment which I remember being uttered by the honor- 
able chairman at a banquet somewhere in London last 
March, which electrified me and thrilled me. He said, 
and with this I will close my remarks, as the sense of this 
Convention, as the sense of the people who are not here, 
but who should be, the sense v\'hich I liope they will experi- 
ence after the though ful words that have been uttered ort 

104 



HIS WORK FOR UNITY. 



this platform, and which now come from my heart — this 
language of Mr. Dillon's was this/If I can but add a senti- 
ment to 'Ireland a Nation' it is, The Nationalists of Ire- 
land all the world over united.' " (Loud cheers) . 

Besides showing that he had for many years been giv- 
ing attention to the Irish question, this speech also showed 
that the spirit of conciliation which in after years was to 
be more prominently manifested in the labor world, he be- 
lieved in applying to the Irish factions. This did not im- 
ply that he did not recognize the limit, nor that he was 
not capable of ruling when occasion required, with a firm 
and inflexible hand. 

/Before leaving Ireland, Father Phillips conferred fur- 
ther with Michael Davitt, John Dillon and Justin Mc- 
Carthy^ as well as the official heads of the Ancient Order 
of Hibernians of Great Britain and Ireland, and with 
them he discussed his plans for beginning active work in 
America towards reuniting Erin's sons. The division in 
America had not only cut off revenue from the Irish Na- 
tionalists' movement, but had also operated to discourage 
those working for a more effective Parliamentary body 
and added fuel to the fires of dissension then consuming 
the patriotic ardor of Irish champions. 

All agreed with him as to the vital necessity of unity and 
harmony, but no one seemed able to see how this proposed 
merging could be accomplished. The conditions under 
which the Ancient Order of Hibernians rested made the 
proposition most perplexing and, indeed, to the ordinary 
man quite impossible, to carry out successfully. During 
his short stay in Dublin, Father Phillips lost no opportun- 

105 



LIFE OF FATHER PHILLIPS. 



ity to acquaint himself with different phases of the difficul- 
ty. He had conceived a plan which, he felt confident, 
would be feasible to adopt, and facilitate the movement for 
tmity and for which every delegate attending the Conven- 
tion was appealing. 

As the accredited representative of a branch of the An- 
cient Order of Hibernians in America, he attended a meet- 
ing of the Executive Board of the organization, represent- 
ing Great Britain and Ireland. This was held on O'Con- 
nell street, Dublin, during the week of the Convention, 
and there was sounded the first practical notes of the cam- 
paign for harmony and unity. This meeting w^as presid- 
ed over by Mr. John Crilly, of Belfast, and assurances were 
given that, with the efforts of Father Phillips in America, 
the Hibernians of Great Britain and Ireland would join in 
sympathy. 

This progress strengthened the hope that, "he had not 
gone in vain to the land of his fathers," and it \vas with 
feelings of satisfaction and renewed determination to con- 
tinue the work so auspiciously Ijegitn that he returned to 
America. 



<^ 



io6 



CHAPTER XV. 

PLANS FOR UNITY ON BOTH SIDES O^ THE ATLANTIC AR- 
RANGED. FIRST GUN OF THE CAMPAIGN FOR UNITY IN 
AMERICA SOUNDED. FORCES ISSUES AND HE BECOMES 
LEADING DIRECTOR IN CONFERENCE. 

After returning to his home in Plains, the closing 
months of the year 1896 were months of patient and per- 
sistent toil for Father Phillips. The commission which 
he had voluntarily imposed upon himself when leaving Ire- 
land he had resolved to carry out successfully. In famil- 
iarizing himself with the general situation he made a 
close study of conditions in his own country, as presented 
in the two Boards. The feeling was such among the 
more influential members of both organizations that the 
advances had to be made with tact and diplomacy. Over- 
tures for peace were entertained with reluctance. 

The first active move decided upon was between the 
members of the two Boards in Luzerne County, Pennsyl- 
vania. Father Phillips conferred with the factional lead- 
ers there and received some encouragement. He had 
progressed so far as to openly advocate unity, but he 
then did not fully understand the rules governing the or- 
ganizations, and learned that the first definite movement 
of that kind would have to be made through the National 
Boards. He held the supreme respect and confidence of 
the members in his own county, however, and this was an 

107 



LIFE OF FATHER THILLIPS. 



influence which he saw would be valuable in urging his 
appeals in other directions. He kept up a ceaseless cor- 
respondence with the National leaders, and in March, 1897, 
just six months after his return from Dublin, he had the 
satisfaction of attending, in Philadelphia, the first joint 
conference of representatives of the two Boards. Many 
members of the two organizations had been favorable to 
the proposal for reunion. Their representatives attended 
this conference with instructions to use all honorable 
means for bringing about the desired pacification and 
restoration of harmony and unity. The conference lasted 
the greater part of the day and far into the next. The is- 
sues raised, while trivial in themselves, were contested 
with such uncompromising diligence that apparently no 
gain for unity had been made when the delegates left for 
their homes in various parts of the country. In referring 
to it later the National President of the Board of America, 
said that it was "A long but fruitless conference." 

As Father Phillips viewed it then, it was not entirely 
fruitless. While nothing tangible for the claim of pro- 
gress had been established, it had, nevertheless, in the mere 
fact of a conference having been held, given encourage- 
ment. In addition, it had shown the active champions of 
harmony the weak spots in the opposition, and offered such 
champions opportunity to study the different phases of hos- 
tility and enabled them to provide against its develop- 
ment. The leading spirits of the conference, v;hile disap- 
pointed to a degree, did not despair. The demand for 
unity, within the ranks of both Boards was growing and 



FIRST GUN OF THE CAMPAIGN. 



gave such evidences of its increasing strength and sincer- 
ity tiiat it could not be much longer ignored. 

Although the New York and Pennsylvania Boards were 
most stubborn in their resistance and the very last States 
to enter the compact, there were workers on both bodies in 
these States who were capable of doing effective service. 
In Luzerne County, in which Father Phillips lived, the 
county officers of the Boards of Erin and America were 
favorable to the proposition and gave to him valuable as- 
sistance. Lawrence Kilduff was then County President 
of the former, and the late Gilbert Curry, County Presi- 
dent of the latter, and both of Plains. 

After his return from the Philadelphia conference, 
where, by the way, his authority to represent Luzerne 
County was at first challenged, he went into the County 
Convention of the Board of Erin and was elected County 
President. He was also elected to represent the organiza- 
tion at the National Convention which was held in New 
York in May, 1897. 

This was the opportunity he had sought. He appreci- 
ated that if the plans for unity were to be carried to a suc- 
cessful issue he must make an indelible impression upon 
this Convention, and to that end he set to work. It was 
a herculean task. He had previously been conferring 
with the leaders of the Board of America and had so far 
progressed as to obtain from them certain concessions in 
promises that, if fulfilled, would be invaluable in carrying 
out his plans. 

When the Convention opened on May 27 the real evi- 
dence of the promised concessions had not arrived. On 

109 



LIFE OF FATHER PlIILLIPS. 

the second day of the Convention, in response to tele- 
grams and letters. Father PhilHps received the much-de- 
sired encouragement from the then recognized leaders of 
the Board of America. ]\fessrs. Wilhere, of Philadelphia, 
and O'Connor, of Savannah. Ga. With these papers he 
at once set out for the hall where the Convention was in 
progress. He took no part in the proceedings, but made 
a mental survey of the general situation. After selecting 
the men whom he believed he could rely upon with great- 
est confidence for support, he returned to his hotel and the 
same e^'ening summoned these men individually. To- 
each he unfolded his plans for unity and openly declared 
that on the succeeding day he would himself conduct the 
Convention, and intimated that their support would be not 
only by him appreciated, but also the part of wisdom for 
themselves to follow' him. The proposition seemed au- 
dacious. These men, all old and experienced leaders, at 
first expressed doubt of his ability to carry out the pur- 
pose. They could not fail to perceive, however, that he 
was thoroughly in earnest and fully capable of making the 
attempt. He so impressed them with his intention and 
by the force of his argument that they agreed not only to 
sustain him, but to enter actively into the work. 

The next day's session of the convention was most ex- 
citing. The proceedings bordered on the dramatic. 
Father Pliillips had never up to the time of his admission 
to the organization and his selection as a delegate to the 
Irish Race Convention addressed a large body of this 
kind. He had but little time to cultivate a knowledge of 

l^arliamentary tactics and to learn how to cope with old 

no 



FIRST GUN OF THE CAMPAIGN. 



and experienced leaders such as he knew he would have 
to encounter. 

The program as outlined by him to the men whom he 
had summoned the previous night was proceeding in an 
even tenor, and without exciting particular resentment, 
until suddenly one of the leaders of the New York dele- 
gation, James Casserly, perceived whither they w^ere 
drifting. Father Phillips had just begun his report of 
the Dublin Convention, prefacing his remarks on the 
unity proposition, when the New York leader raised a 
point of order. There was much confusion. Represent- 
atives of both factions on the floor appealed for recogni- 
tion. Those opposed to unity were violent in their pro- 
tests. The Chairman ruled in favor of the speaker. A 
lively debate was threatened, when Father Phillips gra- 
ciously and unexpectedly yielded the floor with the re- 
mark that Pennsylvania stood for unity and would al- 
ways respect the Empire State. Whether his position 
v/as not clearly understood, or whether it was the effect 
of surprise, the New York leader showed himself to be 
equal in courtesy and chivalry by declaring that wherever 
Pennsylvania led New York would follow, and then, just 
as Father Phillips had done, unexpectedly withdrew. 

The keynote for harmony thus sounded was taken up 
by the delegates and the hall resounded with enthusiastic 
cheers. It was the crowning event of the Convention and 
was the first decisive victory for the champions of unity. 
The rest of the program went through with a rush. The 
advance claims made by Father Phillips, that he would 
exercise a controlling infliience in the affairs of the con- 



LIFE OF FATHER PHILLIPS. 



vention, were fulfilled, and the men who assisted him 
found their confidence in him as a leader much strength- 
ened, and their admiration for his talents and persever- 
ance greatly increased. 

Before adjournment of the New York Convention, 
Father Phillips, assisted by the men whom he had already 
selected, secured the passage of a resolution which gave 
to him the desired authority from the National body to 
negotiate the treaty of peace. This resolution read as 
follows : 

"Resolved, That a conference committee of six dele- 
gates in this Convention be elected forthwith, to meet a 
similar committee of the Board of America; that such 
joint committee shall meet within ninety days from the 
approval of this resolution, at a place agreed upon, se- 
lected by the respective chairmen of the conference com- 
mittees ; that immediately upon assembling, written agree- 
ment on the issue in question shall be agreed upon and 
signed by the conferees, copies of which they shall retain, 
and said agreements shall be final, binding all parties to 
their contents; that upon the signing of agreements and 
select an arbitrator, from the Hierarchy of the United 
States, who shall have the exclusive judicial power to 
investigate and determine the solution of the existing dif- 
ferences; that nothing short of a full, final and deliberate 
decision from the arbitration shall be accepted by this 
Order; that the committee elected by this Convention 
shall insist, as far as reasonable, in the formation of agree- 
ments, upon an equitable adjudication of differences on 
a basis which will be binding, honorable, and to the best 



FIRST GUN OF THE CAMPAIGN. 



interests of all members at present of both Orders, and 
at the same time using discretion and vigilance by making 
due provisions for the future membership and general 
internal management of the re-united Order." 

The Conference Committee elected was composed of 
the following delegates: Rev E. S. Phillips, E. R. 
Hayes, John P. Quinnan, Miles F. McPartland, James H. 
Murphy and Joseph McLaughlin. 

The Convention also elected the following officers to 
serve for the ensuing year : Rev. Edward S. Phillips, 
National Delegate; Edward R. Hayes, National Secre- 
tary; John McWilliams, National Treasurer. 

That all of the new officers were favorable to unity 
need scarcely be stated. 

In electing him to the chief executive office in the 
Order, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Board of Erin, 
gave to his advocacy for unity official endorsement, which, 
in addition to adopting the resolution for unity prepared 
by him, emphasized the confidence with which they 
viewed his work. Father Phillips at once placed him- 
self in communication with the National President and 
Chairman of the National Board of Directory of the 
Board of America, with the result that the second joint 
meeting of the leaders was arranged. This took place 
at Atlantic City, on August 3, just four months after the 
Philadelphia Conference. 



CHAPTER XVI. 

A MEMORABLE MEETING. ARTICLES SIGNED, AGREEING 

TO ARBITRATE DIFFERENCES. PRACTICALLY REUNITING 
ESTRANGED MEMBERS. BISHOP m'fAUL BECv)MES 

MEDIATOR AND GUIDE TO SAFETY. 

During the four months after the Philadelphia cc.nfer- 
cnce Father PhilHps had neglected nothing looking to the 
completion of the work of amalgamation and arranging 
details. He had enlisted the sympathy of influential 
Irishmen outside of the Order, some of whom were to 
figure in the work later, and. as patriots working for a 
common cause, were to share in the gratification which the 
consummation of such a noble enterprise afforded. 

Rt. Rev. James A. McFaul, Bishop of Trenton, one of 
the grandest figures of the Catholic Cliurch in America, 
and an Irishm.an whose affection for the sons of the Em- 
erald Isle has been attested time and again by his open, 
able anduncompromisingdefenseofti.eir rights as Amer- 
ican citizens, and which made b.im conspicuous throughout 
the country, was in full sympathy with the work of reunit- 
ingf and healing-the differences which for fourteen years had 
kept apart the members of that representative organiza- 
tion of Irishmen. The influence which he exercised 
while, perhaps, not visible at the time, was none the less 
potent. Without such aid it is possible that the project 

114 



A MEMORABLE MEETING. 



would have been considerably delayed at least, if not en- 
tirely defeated. 

Before leaving his home in Plains to attend the meeting 
at Atlantic City, Father Phillips had prepared the articles 
of agreement which were to com-plete the compact, agree- 
ing upon an arbitrator and clearing the way for a final an^ 
binding decision. The committee elected by the New 
York Convention represented the Board of Erin at this 
meeting, while the Board of America was represented by 
the following members: P. J. O'Connor, National Pres- 
ident; John C. Weadock, National Vice President; 
Maurice F. Wilhere, National Director; Rev. William 
McLaughlin. 

The members of the two committees were determined t@ 
reach a decision, and after several hours' deliberation the 
agreement to place the matter in the hands of an arbitra- 
tor and abide by his decision \^^s signed by all members 
present. 

Father Phillips, representing the Board of Erin, and P, 
J. O'Connor, National President of the Board of America, 
were selected to choose the arbitrator. They submitted 
the name of Bishop McFaul, in whose diocese the confer- 
ence was held. The Bishop of Trenton was unanimously 
endorsed by the committee. Bishop McFaul willingly 
accepted the commission. On August 8, the committee 
called at the Bishop's house in Trenton, and on the follow- 
ing day both sides were given a hearing. All circum- 
stances connected with the separation of the two bodies 
were submitted. The decision of Bishop McFaul was 
given in December, 1897. The joint committee was again 

115 



LIFE OF FATHER PHILLIPS. 



summoned, this time to the Bishop's house in Trenton, and 
there the union was formally established and sanctified by 
approval of the eminent prelate. 

The first National Convention of the reunited Hiber- 
nians in America was held in the city of Trenton, June 27 
to July 2, 1898. Father Phillips here submitted his re- 
port as the National Delegate, Board of Erin. In it he 
recounted in a brief way the work done at the several con- 
ferences and the final meeting in Bishop McFaul's house, 
where the merging formally took place. The report con- 
tained no reference to his exertions in behalf of unity, 
which was signalized at this Convention, and which occa- 
sioned great rejoicing among the patriotic Irishmen of 
the world. He had accomplished the work he had pledg- 
ed himself voluntarily to perform, and desired only to be 
permitted to withdraw to private membership in the re- 
united Order. He positively declined any official honors 
in the National organization. He had sought the posi- 
tion of National Delegate in the Board of Erin that he 
might pursue the work of promoting unity with better 
effect. He saw nothing further to be done in behalf of 
the race he loved. The unselfish, generous and self- 
sacrificing motives which actuated him were here fully 
demonstrated, and with a heart filled with gratitude for 
the success attending his efforts he was ready to return to 
his people in Plains. 

Assurances had already been received from Ireland that 
the Board of Erin had adopted Father Phillips's sug- 
gestion and would act in unison with the united or- 
ganization in America, and that they would accept and 

116 



A MEMORABLE MEETING. 



adapt themselves to the decisions of the Reverend Arbi- 
trator selected by the joint committee. Another com- 
munication from Glasgow showed that the organizations 
throughout Great Britain were equally well disposed. As 
to the feelings of Father Phillips in realizing that the 
magnificent work which he set out to do had been com- 
pleted, the closing paragraph of his report to the National 
Convention to a degree explains. This read as follows : 

"Brothers, as this is my last official utterance, let me 
say a parting farewell word to the officers and members of 
the Board of Erin in the United States. You have sus- 
tained me in the trying, though honorable, position in 
which you have placed me, by your love, your loyalty, and 
your devotion, and I can at this moment only say I thank 
you. My heart was yours in an organization that has 
happily closed its eyes in eternal sleep. My memory of 
love's labor not done in vain shall ever be yours. For 
the future, I pledged myself and you in the sacred cause of 
reunited Hibernianism, as loyal, devoted members of the 
Ancient Order of Hibernians in America. May we be 
€ver mindful of the glorious fact that while it remains, as 
now constituted, under the care, protection, and guidance 
of the Roman Catholic Church, the church of our fore- 
fathers, it is an Order worth living for, fighting for, dy- 
ing for. It is the cause of Erin's sons and daughters at 
home and abroad, and as such appeals to every true Irish 
heart." 

The system of amalgamation arranged by Bishop Mc- 
Faul was taken up in the various States of the Union and 
the bonds of unity were quietly established. Father Phil- 

117 



LIFE OF FATHER PHILLIPS. 



lips witnessed the reunion in his own State and later that 
of the county organizations which had first honored him 
with their confidence. To the members in Luzerne 
he felt indebted, and by them was prevailed upon to ac- 
cept the County Chaplaincy, which he held until the time 
of his death. 




ii8 



CHAPTER XVII. 

THE BOSTON CONVENTION. FATHER PHILLIPS AS CHAIR- 
MAN OF THE RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE SUPPORTED THE 
STIRRING SENTIMENTS OF BISHOP m'fAUL, SHOWING A 
STRONG AND FEARLESS WILL POWER. 

By Luzerne County Hibernians, he was selected 
as delegate to the Boston Convention in 1900. 
At this Convention opportunity was offered Father 
Phillips to demonstrate that while he was an ar- 
dent advocate of conciliation, he could be bold and un- 
yielding in pursuing the course which he conceived to be 
right and for the best interests of his people. To come 
out openly and strongly for a principle, even at the risk 
of exciting the element which, from inherent weakness, 
cannot see propriety nor justice therein, is not an every- 
day occurrence among Irishmen in this country. When 
this independence of spirit is manifested it attracts atten- 
tion because of its rarity rather than its propriety. The 
fear of stimulating the cry of sectionalism and bigotry 
in a measure, accounts for this apparent apathy among 
the representatives of the race, and will doubtless explain 
the indifference with which the feelings of this class are 
regarded sometimes by leading Americans. Such a 
talented and distinguished American orator as the late 
Wendell Phillips betrayed this carelessness at times. As 
an instance : On being invited to address an Irish Cath- 

119 



LIFE OF FATHER PHILLIPS. 



olic audience in a New York State town on one occasion^ 
he took for his subject "Oliver Cromwell." The usually- 
irresistible eloquence of the famous orator excited no ap- 
plause among his auditors. Not understanding it, he 
asked a friend how it was. Of course, the subject of his 
lecture and the character of his audience, when pointed 
out, explained. This is not noted as a reflection upon 
the memory of that brilliant American, but merely as an 
instance of forgetfulness which is promoted by the apathy 
in Irishmen themselves. And such slips are not infre- 
quent. 

When Rt. Rev. James A. McFaul, Bishop of Trenton, 
submitted a letter to the Boston Convention, which has 
since been published, it created more astonishment among 
many of the delegates than among the people of the coun- 
try who afterward read it in the newspapers. It was one 
of the incisive, clear-cut compositions characteristic of 
the Trenton prelate, and among the timid Irishmen of 
the country excited apprehension. But in Father Phil- 
lips it excited no apprehension. On the floor of the Con- 
vention he sustained the position of Bishop McFaul and 
supported the sentiment of his letter. He felt that he 
was speaking in behalf of the race, and personal ambitions 
had no place where such interests were involved. In a 
political way his sympathies were with the Administration 
criticised. 

After the introductory greeting Bishop ]\IcFaul wrote : 
"After the noble sentiments in favor of unity expressed 
by the delegates to the last Convention, it is quite unnec- 
essary to emphasize the great importance of united effort 



THE BOSTON CONVENTION. 



for strength and progress. I shall, therefore, direct your 
attention to another question which I believe should be ta- 
ken up and prosecuted with energy. This subject has 
lately been forcibly brought to my attention in connection 
with the public institutions of this State, and I presume 
a like condition, at least to some extent, exists in almost 
every State in the Union. 

"The population of New Jersey is over 1,500,000, and 
the Catholic population is rapidly approaching 500,000, 
or about one-third of the population of the State. Now,, 
we should have a proportionate representation on the 
Boards of Management of Public Institutions. This, 
however, we have never had, and, although we are bet- 
ter off here as regards freedom of worship in public insti- 
tutions than in some States, we are, nevertheless, far from 
possessing that full exercise of our religion which we 
should enjoy. Only a Catholic member of a public 
board can fully appreciate o\ir position as regards the 
necessity or religion and moral training, especially in re- 
formatory institutions. 

"It seems to me then that all Societies composed of 
Catholics should endeavor to touch at certain points, that 
while retaining their identity and pursuing their own aims 
independently of other organizations, there should be a 
bond of union enabling them in giving circumstances to 
exert a united influence. 

"Let me not be misunderstood ; I have not the remotest 
idea of advocating a Catholic, a German or an Irish party 
in America, but I believe that when there is question of 
our rights, as Christians and as Catholics, we should be 

121 



LIFE OF FATHER PIULLIPS. 

in a position to maintain and protect them in an intelligent 
manner. 

"If we were so organized, can it be supposed for a 
moment that the present administration would have 
passed over in silence the outrages against religion per- 
petrated in the Philippines, or that those blinded by relig- 
ious prejudices would have been selected to investigate 
and report upon affairs intimately connected with the 
welfare of the Catholic religion in those countries which 
have lately come under the flag of the United States ? 

"Again, if that influence to- which our numbers rela- 
tive to the entire population of the country entitles us 
had been manifested in the proper channel, it is evident 
that the same administration would not dare treat so 
unjustly our Indian schools, and virtually destroy their 
usefulness by refusing proper pecuniary support. Bigots 
are clamoring for the conversion of tlie inhabitants of our 
new possessions to a creed that is fast undermining its 
own foundation, the Bible, while closing their eyes to 
the disgraceful treatment of our own noble native races. 
The Red Man, who under the "black robes" and the sis- 
ters would have been civilized and Christ'anized, has 
been converted by the bullet of the rifle, his bones, lie 
bleaching, on our plains, side by side with those of the 
bison, and the footsteps of his descendants, becoming 
fewer and fewer, are all pointed toward the setting sun. 

"Spain has many a crime to answer for, but in all her 
colonies she has saved the native races and taught them 
the tenets of Christianity and the arts of civilization. 



THE BOSTON CONVENTION. 



"Finally, let me add that we are entitled to a greater 
number of chaplains in the army and navy. Catholics 
have poured out their blood like water on land and sea 
under the flag of their country, and the least they can ask 
is that when the 'Warrior's soul is about to meet the 
warrior's God,' they should receive the consolations of 
that religion which has planted patriotic aspirations in 
their hearts. And yet how many a brave Catholic lad has 
given forth his soul to his Creator in the late war de- 
prived of the assistance of a priest, simply because the 
men in power do not appreciate the necessity of the re- 
ligious consolations which we hold so dear, but which 
would be valued, for the sake of policy, at least, did we 
raise our voices high enough to compel attention. 

"Let the A. O. H. take a determined step in this mat- 
ter; let them take part in forming a general organization 
of all societies composed of Catholics, irrespective of 
nationality, in such manner that in our State Legislatures 
and in the National Congress the voice of Catholics may 
be heard with effect when there is question of our relig- 
ious rights under the Constitution, or the redress o 
grievances." 

In the advocacy of equal rights and justice towards 
all, neither Bishop McFaul nor Father Phillips could be 
accused of being actuated by any narrow designs. Father 
Phillips stood as the champion of humanity, and in voic- 
ing the sentiments of Bishop McFaul he simply gave evi- 
dence of the generous nature of his soul, and which was 

to be manifested more conspicuously in after years. This 

123 



LIFE OF FATHER PHILLIPS. 



was fully demonstrated during the labor troubles in his 
own State. 

At the Boston Convention he also acted as Chairman 
of the Resolutions Committee and made the nominating 
speech for National Director Patrick O'Neill, of Phila- 
delphia. This was to be the last National Assembly that 
he was to attend. 




124 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

THE PRIEST FURTHER SHOWS HIS UNSELFISH DEVOTION 
TO MANKIND. REFUSES A HANDSOME PURSE AFTER 
THE STRIKE. HE RECEIVES A TESTIMONY OF THE AF- 
FECTION WHICH THE STATE A. O. H. FELT FOR HIM. A 
MAGNIFICENT TRIBUTE. 

At the State Convention, held in Mahanoy City, Pa., in 
June, 1900, he was present to assist in facilitating the 
work. Here he again showed his unselfish devotion to the 
interests of the organization and the race by declining to 
accept the post of State Chaplain. The Convention, be- 
fore adjournment, passed resolutions acknowledging the 
great debt of gratitude, and expressing the highest ap- 
preciation for his work in behalf of the Ancient Order of 
Hibernians and the Irish race generally. 

At that time arrangements were being made in Hazle- 
ton by the parishioners of Father Phillips to signalize his 
silver jubilee, or twenty-fifth anniversary of his ordina- 
tion to the priesthood. The Convention took note of this 
matter and without his knowledge started a movement to 
show a substantial evidence of their love, devotion and 
gratitude. The incidents of the great coal strike in the 
anthracite region were then fresh in the minds of the peo- 
ple and the active and effective part taken therein by 
Father Phillips, 

123 



LIFE OF FATHER PHILLIPS. 



His parishioners had already begun the collection of a 
purse which was to be presented September 29, 1900. 
The people of his home city joined in the movement. His 
work in belialf of labor and the community, regardless of 
creed, was an inspiration which excited keen enthusiasm, 
and the jubilee was to be made a gala occasion for the par- 
ish of St. Gabriel's. The pastor, ho\vever, learned of 
what was being done. He realized that many of the peo- 
ple of the district were suffering from the effects of the 
miners' strike and that not a few were in actual want. A 
purse of $1,000 had already been collected. While he felt 
very grateful for the kindly spirit manifested, he at the 
same time considered that in justice to himself and the 
people he could not accept the testimonial. His work in 
behalf of labor was performed for humanity's sake, not for 
the hope of material reward in this world. He took 
prompt steps to discourage the collection of money for 
the purse and instructed those so engaged to return to the 
contributors all that had been subscribed. His wishes in 
regard to the purse were respected. The Jubilee celebra- 
tion, in which he took part and enjoyed, was conducted by 
the children of the parochial schools. 

The Hibernians of the State continued to carry out the 
provisions of the resolution passed at the Mahanoy City 
Convention. On New Year's Day, two months after the 
date of the Silver Jubilee celebration, there assembled in 
the city of Hazleton the members of the committee ap- 
pointed by the Mahanoy City Convention,, with a number 
of prominent citizens and members of the organization. 
They had arranged to surprise the good priest by tender- 

126 



UNSELFISH DEVOTION TO MANKIND. 



ing to him a testimonial of gratitude and love. A ban- 
quet was prepared, and to the hall Father Phillips was es- 
corted. There he found assembled friends from different 
parts of Pennsylvania. They included the following 
named citizens, officers and members of the Ancient Or- 
der of Hibernians : Patrick Donohue, State President ; 
Patrick O'Neill, National Director; Owen Kelly, Charles 
J. Bigley, Philip McDonald, Joseph McLaughlin, of Phil- 
adelphia ; C. C. Donovan, State Vice President, Scranton ; 
John J. Gibbons, State Secretary, Hudson ; E. J. Moore, 
County President, Warrior Run ; Patrick Hogan, Prof. T. 
M. Coniff, F. F. Kilduff, Plains; M. J. Walsh, Rev. H. 
P. Burke, Wilkes-Barre ; Patrick Lyons, Manayunk ; Ed- 
ward Fitzgerald, Wissahickon ; Daniel Brennan, John F. 
Horgan, John J, Hobin, Mahanoy City ; E. J. McGeehan^ 
Esq., Macadoo; Rev. J. F. Holmes, Bernard J. Ferry, 
Charles F. Scott, W. E. Joyce, Rev. E. S. Phillips, Hazle- 
ton. 

State Secretary Gibbons occupied the chair at the head: 
of the festal board, and after a few introductory remarks 
called National Director O'Neill, of Philadelphia. The 
National Director read a copy of the resolution passed at 
the Mahanoy City Convention of the Ancient Order of 
Hibernians, and at the conclusion tv/o attendants carried 
to a forward part of the banquet hall an easel bearing a 
veiled frame. The unveiling followed and disclosed a 
magnificently framed copy of the resolutions engrossed 
and artistically ornamented. It v/as the first formal pres- 
entation of a testimonial in recognition of his work done in 
behalf of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and Irishmen 

127 



LIFE OF FATHER PHILLIPS. 



everywhere. The priest was deeply affected, but before 
he could recover his composure State President Donohue, 
of Philadelphia, was called, and while a hushed silence 
fell upon the assemblag-e he made a brief address, in which 
he further testified to the high esteem in which he was held 
by the organization by handing their champion and bene- 
factor a check for $1,300. 

Father Phillips was overwhelmed. He had not looked 
for such gratitude nor the depth of love, sincerity and 
reverence that was manifested. The significance and the 
spirit in which these testimonials were presented he could 
not fail to appreciate, and it was with feelings of the deep- 
est emotion that he conveyed to those present and to the 
members of the Order everywhere his heartfelt thanks. 

The engrossed resolutions were given a conspicuous 
place on the wall of his study, where, with pardonable 
pride, they were often shown to friends who called upon 
him. This testimonial reads as follows : 

ANCIENT ORDER OF HIBERNIANS. 

AT THE 

BIENNIAL CONVENTION OF THE ANCIENT ORDER OF 

HIBERNIANS OF PENNSYLVANIA, 

Held in Mahanoy City on June 12, 1900, it was unani- 
mously 

"Resolved, That a committee of seven should be ap- 
pointed to express in the name of their fellow delegates, 
as far as words may. the feeling of love, respect and grat- 
itude which all members of the Ancient Order of Hiber- 
nians bear to Rev. Edward S. Phillips. 

128 



HIS SILVER JUBILEE. 



"In accordance with the desire of their colleagues, this 
committee, representing all the divisions of the Order in 
Pennsylvania, and speaking for their brethren through- 
out the United States, have adopted the following resolu- 
tions : 

"That the thanks of all lovers of humanity and liberty 
are due to Rev. E. S. Phillips for his unfaltering and 
successful efforts to bring "together in unity and harmony 
the scattered sections of the Irish race ; 

"That the great organization whose National Delegate 
he was, from whose councils he has aided to banish fac- 
tional strife and whose aims are : 

Friendship, Unity and Christian Charity, 
has entered upon larger and wider fields of usefulness 
through his tireless endeavor; 

"That his sacrifices for the cause of the oppressed in 
every land, his labors at the Irish Race Convention, held 
in Dublin in 1896, his unswerving adherence to the right, 
and his courageous devotion to duty revive the glorious 
memories of those bitter days when the 

SOGGARTH AROON 

personified devotion to 

HOLY MOTHER CHURCH 

and native land. 

"We congratulate him upon the celebration of the Silver 
Jubilee of his ordination to the priesthood, and ardently 
hope that for many years in the Twentieth Century his fu- 
ture will continue to be the conspicuous example of self- 

129 



LIFE OF FATHER PHILLIPS. 



sacrifice, religions zeal, patriotic fervor and love of free- 
dom that has been so strongly, characteristic of his life. 

"(Signed) Peter J. Hughes, James O'Sullivan, Joseph 
E. Kearns, Cornelius Horgan, J. J. Kane, I\I. D., Owen 
Kelly, M. P., Morone, Committee; Patrick Donohue, 
State President; C. P. Donovan, State Vice President; 
James P. Gibbons, State Secretary ; John M. Kelly. State 
Treasurer." 

This was the first instance where full recognition for 
his services in behalf of the race was officially given. 
As in the campaign in behalf of the coal workers of the 
anthracite coal mining regions, he never made any 
claims of meritorious work, satisfied in the knowledge 
that he had contributed to human happiness. 

John M. Kelly, State Treasurer of the A. O. H. in 
Pennsylvania, paid the following tribute to Father Phil- 
lips: 

PiTTSBUKG, Pa.. June 9, 1901. 
Mr. Williavi Joyce, Hazleton, Pa.: 

Dear Sir — To know Rev. Father Phillips was to love 
him. He had endeared himself to the Irish race in, 
America by his tireless and successful efforts to unite 
the dissenting factions of the A. O. H. 

He was grandly eloquent and it was a pleasure to 
hear him address a convention of his countrymen, and 
by his advice steer them clear of shoals and pitfalls. 

He was a true Irish patriot and his death will be a se- 
vere blov/ to the Irish race in America. 

Respectfully yours, 

JoHX M. Kelly. 
130 



HIS SILVER JUBILEE. 



John J. Gibbons, State Secretary Ancient Order of Hi- 
bernians, who enjoyed the friendship of Father Phillips, 
betrays in the following letter that feeling of affection 
which appreciation for a noble soul alone can promote : 

Hudson, Pa., June 21, 1901. 
Mr. Wm. Joyce, Haeletori, Pa.: 

Dear Sii^— In reply to yours of recent date, I will say 
that were my heart an inkwell into which I could dip 
my pen, I might be able to write such a tribute to the 
memory of the greatly lamented "Ancient Order Priest," 
Father Phillips, as that close friendship with him which 
it was my pleasure and honor to enjoy, prompts me to 
write. Only in this way could I do justice to those - 
magnificent and noble qualities of heart, mind and soul 
that endeared him to those who now mourn his loss. 
These attributes, together with tlie gratitude felt by 
myself in common with the thousands of fellow-Hiber- 
nians who fully appreciate the extent of his labors in our 
behalf, explain why he was so dearly beloved, and why 
lie will be so greatly missed by us. 

Your truly, 

John P. Gibbons, 

S. S., A. 0. H., of Penna. 




131 



CHAPTER XIX. 

THE DEATH OF FATHER PHILLIPS. SAD CIRCUMSTANCES 
ATTENDING THE END OF A BRILLIANT LIFE. GRIEF 
WAS EVERYWHERE PRONOUNCED. MYSTERY OF DEATH 
CLEARED. 

And now the review of a life that shone so brilliantly 
and has left such examples of nobility as the best of men 
might emulate, must turn to the close which God in His 
infinite wisdom has seen fit to pronounce. The life so 
full of splendid achievements was to go out amidst sur- 
roundings desolate and dreary, making more poignant 
the grief which the announcement of the death of such a 
man would excite under any circumstances. But as the 
ways of the Creator are inscrutable, to the Divine decree 
all must bow with humility. And in the knowledge that 
the good deeds of life are recorded, there can be found 
solace in the reflection that Father Phillips, by word and 
deed, gave many evidences of his worthiness as a man, a 
priest, patriot and citizen. 

The announcement of his death was received every- 
where with expressions of regret, but in no other place 
did it cast such a pall as among the people of the mining 
region, and particularly about his home at Hazleton, 
where his good works were more thoroughly understood 
and where he was loved and esteemed by all classes. That 
such a man should be called to the Great Beyond in the 

132 



CIRCUMSTANCES OF HIS DEATH. 



noontide of his usefulness, no one will fail to recognize, 
is always possible; but that Father Phillips was to be so 
summoned seemed quite incredible. The effect in and 
about the city of his home produced blank astonishment, 
to be succeeded by grief that was everywhere visible. This 
was intensified by sensational features given the earlier re- 
ports, which subsequent developments proved to be un- 
true. The entire city was wrapped in gloom, and until 
the day of the funeral, when the remains were consigned 
to their last resting place beside those of his parents in the 
family plot in the Market street cemetery, Pittston, the 
pall which o'erspread the community with the first an- 
nouncement of his death remained. 

It was on the evening of May i6 that his body was 
first discovered in the rooms occupied by a Dr. Stanley, 
730 Ninth Avenue, New York. That he had gone there 
for treatment under this Dr. Stanley was shown by the 
investigation conducted by the Coroner and police of New 
York. 

Father Phillips was a stranger in the great metropolis 
and, as was shown, was induced to accompany Dr. Stan- 
ley, a man whom he did not know. The doctor, when 
arrested, showed symptoms of narcotic poisoning, and 
his disjointed and irrational statements were seized upon 
by a wildly sensational press in proclaiming the manner 
in which Father Phillips had met his death. The theory 
of murder was advanced and followed with persistence, 
but it was shown at the time by his nephew, Dr. Dough- 
erty, that death was due to natural causes, and this opin- 
ion was fully sustained by the reports of the officials en- 

133 



LIFE OF FATHER PHILLIPS. 



gaged to hold an autopsy, and Ijy the chemist who made 
an analysis. 

That the priest had sought relaxation from the terrible 
mental and physical strain under which he had been for 
several months, and that the specialist could bring about 
the desired relief led him to the place where his body was 
found, is the accepted theory for his having gone there. 
The circumstances surrounding the finding of the body, 
however, and the rambling statements made by Dr. Stan- 
ley, led the police, as a precautionary measure, to place that 
man under arrest and hold him in custody until an au- 
topsy could be made. This was not completed until June 
5, when the report of Professor Ferguson, who had 
been engaged to make the analysis, was received. This 
showed that no evidences of poison had been discovered. 
Dr. O'Hanlon, the Coroner's physician, demonstrated that 
Father Phillips had been a sufferer from Bright's disease 
of the kidneys and that his heart was weak. His physi- 
cal condition was such that it would have been impossible 
to stand the treatment of a hot air principle, such as Dr. 
Stanley had been practicing. 

To go into an extensive refutation of the shocking 
stories circulated in the sensational press sent out the first 
day after the body was discovered, concerning bibulous 
tendencies and his moral life, would be giving undue im- 
portance to as base a calumny as was ever invented. Al- 
though never radical in advocating the cause of temper- 
ance, for five )^ears prior to his death Father Phillips had 
been a total abstainer, and as for the moral purity of his 
life, no preacher of moral truths better exemplified by 

134 



CIRCUMSTANCES OF HIS DEATH. 



•example and precept the doctrines of Him whose life on 
earth was the model of purity and chastity, and which 
the Christian faith teaches that all should emulate. 

After having taken charge of the case for the defense 
of Dr. Stanley, Attorneys Levy and Unger made an ex- 
haustive examination into the facts. This was followed 
by a voluntary statement from the lawyers, in which they 
showed that the mental condition of their client, and to 
whom they referred as "a rum-crazed unfortunate," made 
his earlier stories entirely unreliable. To the purity of the 
moral life of Father Phillips they testified as far as it re- 
lated to his acquaintance with Stanley, and his associa- 
tions during the time that their client had known him. 
The very sensational reports first sent out, and which were 
•dravvn from the disconnected and untruthful story of the 
■drug-brained prisoner when he was first arrested, the at- 
torneys publicly deplored. That Stanley had witnessed 
the death of the priest after his experiment with the hot 
air rheumatism cure, or at least knew of it a short time 
after dissolution had taken place, was demonstrated by 
subsequent investigation. When he did learn of it he 
became confused, then terrified, as he realized that the 
awful termination of this experiment would be fatal to 
further practice of his newly-discovered treatment. This, 
together with the fear of getting into trouble with the 
authorities, were features of the situation which disturbed 
his mind. This strain prompted relief, which he found 
in the narcotic, to the use of which it was shown he had 
been no stranger. In a stupid condition he came to the 
rooms day after day and, to all appearances, continued to 

135 



LIFE OF FATHER PHILLIPS. 



be following his usual business. The man did not know 
what to do and was living along in hopes that some- 
thing would turn up which would relieve him, and with- 
out directing attention of the authorities to the business 
which he knew he had been conducting contrary to ihe 
State medical regulations. In this way his silence dur- 
ing the days that the body lay in the sitting room was ac- 
counted for. This period was estimated to be eight days, 
as the movements of the deceased were traced up to May 
8, when he met the specialist. On that day he made a 
draft on a Hazleton bank, and after adjusting some ac- 
counts placed a portion of the money with the hotel 
people, which indicated that he had been preparing to re- 
turn home, but tarried to test the fatal expei^iment. 

Father Phillips left his home in Hazleton April 
29, for the purpose of arranging in New York 
City for a mission in his church, and to transact 
other business connected with the parish. He en- 
gaged the Franciscan Fathers to conduct the mis- 
sion, and provided for every detail of that work, even to 
the printing of the pamphlets which are distributed 
among the faithful on such occasions. The mission op- 
ened in St. Gabriel's Church on June 2. and was attended 
by extraordinary success. The pamphlets referred to con- 
tained the name of the deceased rector, and this seemed 
to supply an influence among the members of the con- 
gregation, which had its reflex in an attendance at the ser- 
vices that was unprecedented. During the two weeks that 
the Mission Fathers remained at St. Gabriel's conducting 
services, the church, although the third largest in the dio- 

136 



CIRCUMSTANCES OF HIS DEATH. 



cese, was found to be entirely inadequate to accommodate 
the crowds of worshipers attending the exercises daily. 
He had also upon his arrival in New York completed ar- 
rangements for the purchase of Stations of the Cross. 
These were shipped to Hazleton and placed in position in 
St. Gabriel's during the progress of the mission. 

The remains were taken from New York direct to the 
home of his sister, Mrs. Mary A. Dougherty, at Port 
Griffith, near Pittston. This was in deference to the 
wishes of Rt. Rev. M. J. Hoban, Bishop of the Scranton 
Diocese, and the expressed wish of Father Phillips during 
life that his remains be buried in the family plot at Pitts- 
ton. 

From the time of the arrival at Pittston of the casket 
containing the remains of the dead priest, the vicinity 
of the house in which the body reposed was thronged with 
people and so continued until the funeral, which took 
place on Monday. 

When it was announced that the remains would be re- 
moved to Pittston direct, the various church societies at- 
tached to St. Gabriel's Church, Hazleton, immediately 
took steps for engaging a special train to manifest the re- 
spect and devotion which he commanded in life. The 
Father Mathew Society dispatched a committee of 
eighteen members, who acted as a body guard in the 
house of death during the time that the remains were kept 
there. The following members composed the guard: 
James Mooney, Frank Dugan, Thomas Burke, James 
Durkin, James McGinty, Anthony McHale, James Gal- 
lagher, Cormac Conahan, Patrick Brown, Hugh Ferry,. 

137 



LIFE OF FATHER PHILLIPS. 



Walter Barrett, John Kelner, Frank Dougherty, John 
Gallagher, Edward McDonald, Francis Mulhearn, Charles 
Gallagher, Thomas Savage. 

The people of the vicinity and particularly those of his 
earlier charge in Plains were grief-stricken, and thronged 
about the locality until ^Monday, when the remains were 
removed to St. John's Church, Pittston, thence to the 
cemetery on the knoll above. 

On Saturday, the day after the announcement of the 
death of Father Phillips was first made, the Executive 
Board of the United Mine Workers of America, repre- 
senting the Seventh and Ninth Anthracite Districts, was 
in session in Hazleton. The members of the committee 
were deeply affected, as were the coal w'orkers of the entire 
mining region. Before adjournment the Board ap- 
pointed a delegation to attend the funeral to represent the 
United Mine Workers, consisting of the following offi- 
cers : National Organizers Harris and Dougherty, John 
Fahey, President of the Ninth District, and Thomas 
Duffy, President of the Seventh District. The following 
resolutions were also adopted : 

RESOLUTIONS PASSED BY ANTHRACITE MINE WORKERS. 

At a joint meeting of the executive officers of Dis- 
tricts Ncs. 7 and 9 of the United Mine Workers of 
America, held in the city of Hazleton, the 18th day of 
May, 1901, the following preamble and resolutions wera 
adopted by a rising vote. 

"Whereas. The grim reaper, Death, has ruthlessly laid 
his ice cold hand upon labor's true and honest friend, 
the Reverend Father Edward S. Phillips, pastor of St. 

138 



CIRCUMSTANCES OF HIS DEATH. 



Gabriel's Church, of Hazleton, taking him from our 
midst in the noontide of his manhood and usefulness, 
thereby removing from the field of labor one of the most 
zealous, earnest and eloquent exponents of the cause of 
honest toil, one who was always ready with all his 
brilliant attainments to assist the needy, regardless of 
creed, color or nationality, one whose nobler nature re- 
volted against tyranny and oppression in any form, 
thoroughly imbued with the spirit of humanity, he 
arose in the kindness of his noble heart to help free 
the chains which bound them to merciless poverty dur- 
ing the last quarter of a century; therefore be it 

"Resolved, That we, the executive officers of Districts 
Nos. 7 and 9 of the United Mine Workers of America, 
in joint meeting assembled, while bowing with meek- 
ness and submission to the will of the Father of all 
mankind, cannot desist from giving expression to the 
great grief and sorrow which the death of our dear and 
noble friend has brought to us. Not only has the Uni- 
ted Mine Workers of America lost a noble and generous 
friend, but all mankind as well, and the city of his 
iiome, the State and Nation a useful and honored pub- 
lic-spirited citizen; and lurther 

"Resolved, That the charters of Districts Nos. 7 and 
"9 shall be draped in mourning for the period of thirty 
days; and further, that a committee composed of offi- 
cers of the districts attend the funeral as representatives 
of our organization; and further 

"Resolved, That these resolutions be properly en- 
grossed and a copy sent to his relatives and given to the 
public press, and also that they be spread upon the rec- 
ords of the districts. 

"Signed— John Fahey, George W. Hartlein, Thomas 
Duffy, Dan. Gallagher, Patrick Smith, Thos. J. Rich- 
ards, Committee." 

I3Q 



CHAPTER XX. 

the funeral. sad scenes at the home of his sistek. 
impressive though simple ceremonies in st. 
John's, great throng of people pay respect to 
the memory of father phillips. 

On Monday morning', May 20, long before the hour set 
for the funeral, the vicinity of the house in Port Grif- 
fith in which rested the remains of Father Phillips, began 
to fill with carriages and people. Long lines of sympa- 
thizers passed through the house and around the closed 
casket. The scant light through the window of the room 
and the flickering candles but dimly outlined the scene, 
while giving added sombreness to the heavy drapings of 
the interior. Floral offerings sent by friends and so- 
cieties crowded one portion of the room at the head of 
the coffin, on top of which rested a casket bouquet, consist- 
ing of a single long palm festooned at the stalk with flow- 
ers tied with a silken ribbon. As a mark of respect, business 
was suspended in the city. Many of the mines in the vicinity 
of Pittston ceased work for the day and the toilers 
mingled with the throng and mourners about the house 
of death. People came from all parts of the region. 
Special trains were run over the several roads entering 
Pittston and traffic on the highways was considerably con- 
gested. 

140 



THE LAST SAD SCENES. 



At lo o'clock the long procession moved slowly, and 
solemnly from the house at Port Griffith towards St. 
John's Church, Pittston, where the deceased priest had 
spent his boyhood days as an altar boy. Lowering clouds 
during the morning had threatened rain, but as the cor- 
tege moved towards the church the sun appeared brightly 
in the heavens, throwing its beams about the death car- 
riage as if to light the noble spirit to a happy destiny. 

The magnificent edifice of St. John's was filled with 
people almost before the funeral procession arrived. The 
people of his last charge, Hazleton, who had arrived on a 
special train, were provided seats in church, and the bal- 
ance of space was quickly taken, so that thousands of 
people remained on the outside of the church or moved on 
to the cemetery, where an immense throng had already, 
assembled to await the mourners and pallbearers with the 
coffin. 

The ceremonies were simple though impressive. Sur- 
pliced priests and acolytes crowded the chancel, and the 
church began its sacred office of repose and intercession. 
The tall candles around the bier were lighted and burned 
freely in the gentle breeze which escaped from the drowsy 
sun. Suddenly the full, sweet, sad resonance of the or- 
gan's wailing notes pealed through and filled the church. 
The priests ranged themselves about the altar and chanted 
the Miserere. But a few minutes lasted this peal of 
anguish for a departed soul, and then the organ gave forth 
a burst of stately music as the procession of officiating 
clergy entered. Rev. J. J. Greve, of St. Mary's Church, 
Pittston, was celebrant of the mass; Rev. J. J. Curran, of 

141 



LIFE OF FATHER PHILLIPS. 



Wilkes-Barre. deacon ; Rev. W. P. O'Donnell, of Scran- 
ton, sub-deacon. Rev. P. J. Oiiinnan, of St. John's 
Pittston, was master of ceremonies. 

Within the chancel :vere the following priests, who- 
chanted the sacred office : Revs. P. J- O'Reilly, Scranton; 
W. J. McManus, Providence; W. P. O'Donnell, Scran- 
ton ; E. J. Melley, Scranton ; J. P. Moffitt, Taylor ; D. W. 
McCarthy, Plymouth; Daniel Dunn, Moosic; P. J. Mc- 
Manus, Green Ridge; T. J- Comerford, Archibald; D. 
Green, Overton; M. F. Crane, Avoca; J. V. Hussie, 
Plains ; J. E. Shanley, Sayre ; F. Mack, Eckley ; J. Con- 
over, Towanda; J. H. Judge, Sugar Notch ; J. V. Moylan, 
Providence ; N. Forve, Hazleton ; M. E. Lynott, Jermyn ; 
J. P. O'Malley, Kingston; E. J. Manley, Kingston; R. 
Walsh, Forest City; P. Murphy, Olyphant; J. M. 
Smoulter, Rock Lake; T. F. Kiernan, Parsons; E. La- 
velle, West Scranton; George Dixon, Carbondale; 
Thomas Rea, Minooka; P. J. Lynott, R. A. McAndrew, 
C. J. Goeckel, P. Disselhamer, J. J. Curran, H. V. Burke, 
Wilkes-Barre; W. Gislong, Old Forge; J. Fagan, Great 
Bend ; M. J. Manley, Susquehanna ; M. F. Shiras, Bentley 
Creek ; J. J. Ruddy. Scranton ; P. F. Brehl, Pittston ; P. 
Malloy, McAdoo ; John Holmes, Hazleton. 

The floral ofl"'erings included many beautiful tokens of 
love and reverence in memory of the deceased. Some 
were from the Mine \\^orkers' organizations far and near, 
one from the miners of Alabama, which arrived during 
the progress of services in church. Others were from the 
various parish societies in Hazleton and Plains and from 
personal friends and admirers. Among the floral pieces 

142 



THE LAST SAD SCENES. 



were : Broken column, inscribed "The Mine Workers' 
Tribute to Labor's Friend," from District 7, United Mine 
Workers of America; scroll, inscribed "Our Friend, His 
Motto was, The Laborer is Worthy of His Hire,' " from 
District 9, U. M. W. of A. ; pillow from B. P. O. E. 
200, Hazleton; cross inscribed, "Our Chaplain," from 
the A. O. H., Hazleton; pillow, from Knights of Father 
Mathew, Hazleton; casket bouquet. Ladies' Auxiliary, 
A. O. H., Hazleton; casket bouquet, calla lilies, Mine 
Workers of Alabama ; anchor, cross and two large casket 
bouquets from former parishioners, Hazleton. 

The flower bearers were: James Gallagher, Thomas 
Burke, Joseph Dougherty, William McGlynn, Edward 
Curran, Charles Cannon, Patrick Brown and James Mc- 
Glynn, all of the Hazleton parish. 

The pall bearers were selected from the parish societies 
of both Hazleton and Plains, and were as follows: 
T. M. Conniff, Plains A. O. H. ; John P. Gibbons, Plains 
A. O. H. ; William E. Joyce, James P. Gorman, Hazleton, 
Knights of Columbus; James Kerrigan, Sugar Notch, 
A. O. H. ; P. T. Norton, Wilkes-Barre, Knights of Co- 
lumbus. 

As the body was borne from the church the bell tolled 
mournfully. Citizens crowded in the streets and all 
stood with heads uncovered as the cortege moved towards 
the cemetery. In the procession were the A. O. H., Di-. 
vision 10, Hazleton; Division 7, Freeland; Division 6, 
McAdoo; Knights of Columbus, Hazleton; Knights of 
Father Mathev/, Hazleton; East End Fire Company, 
Hazleton; St. Aloysius, Harleigh; B. P. O. E., Pittston 

143 



LIFE OF FATHER PHILLIPS. 



and Hazleton; A. O. H., Pittston; United Mine 
Workers. 

At the cemetery the services were again chanted by a 
number of priests. The grave into which the coffin was 
lowered was walled with brick, over which a marble slab 
was later cemented. During the chanting of the service 
by the priests and until the coffin was deposited in its 
vaulted encasing, every man in the cemetery stood with 
bared head. 

The cemetery in which the body rests is located on an 
eminence overlooking the city of Pittston, commanding a 
view of the Susquehanna, which winds leisurely down the 
historic valley of Wyoming. It is an old burying place 
and the bodies of many prominent citizens rested there be- 
fore Father Phillips's came to further sanctify it. The 
grave is near the centre of the plot and is surrounded by 
those of the friends of his youth, and is a fitting spot for 
the mortal remains of the pastor who so carefully guarded 
his flock in life and who so successfully championed the 
cause of humanity. 




144 



INDEX 



CONTENTS. 

AN INTRODUCTION. 

An introduction, giving a pen picture of Father Plilllips' person- 
ality, and a brief review of iiis work for humanity 3 

Epitomized biographical sketch 8 

Bishop McFaul's touching tribute lo 

CHAPTER 1. 

Early history of St. Gabriel's Church, Hazleton, and its remark- 
able development during the pastorate of Father Phillips 11 

CHAPTER II. 

Methodist ministers enjoy the hospitality of Father Phillips dur- 
ing the Conference week in Hazleton 17 

CHAPTER IIL 

His solicitude for the poor. The unfinished library which he con- 
templated erecting for the benefit of the young people of the 
community 20 

CHAPTER IV. 

Father Phillips as a student of economics. Characteristics and 
training reflected in his work 25 

CHAPTER V. 

His first acquaintance with the United Mine Workers' organiza- 
tion. General industrial conditions prior to the strike 30 

CHAPTER VI. 

Father Phillips appears before the Miners' Convention and ap- 
peals strongly for peace 41 



CHAPTER VII. 

The Jeddo situation and how Father Phillips came to be con- 
nected with it. The debate on the school house steps. Most 
dramatic incident of the strike 48 

CHAPTER VIII. 

His vigorous and persistent efforts to reach the coal operators. 
Father Phillips convinced that the mine owners would not 
meet the men. His first harsh criticism, "Capital cannot 
with impunity defy the gods of peace and war" 56 

CHAPTER IX. 

The second brush between labor and capital. Father Phillips de- 
vises a plan to bring the contestants together and avert a 
conflict 6^ 

CHAPTER X. 

The priest and his Board of Trade Committee call on J. P. 
Morgan. Speculation on the settlement of the strike ended 
after the interview with the great financier 72 

CHAPTER XI. 

Good deeds of life show results after death. An acrimonious 
dispute settled. Father Phillips paved the way 81 

CHAPTER XII. 

The split in the Ancient Order of Hibernians. Father Phillips 
takes up the work of reuniting the factions and restoring 
harmony 88 

CHAPTER XIII. 

His appointment as delegate to the Irish Race Convention in 
Dublin. Confers with representatives of the race from all 
parts of the world. Convention speeches... gG 

CHAPTER XIV. 

The platform passed at the Dublin Convention and its influence 
upon the unity proposition. A permanent basis for work. 
His closing address loi 

CHAPTER XV. 

Plans for promoting unity on both sides of the Atlantic arranged. 
First gun of the campaign for reunion in America sounded.... 107 



CHAPTER XVI. 

The two bodies come to an agreement. Boards of America and 
Erin sign tlie articles for unity. First National Convention 
of reunited Hibernians 114 

CHAPTER XVII. 

The Boston Convention. Father Phillips supports the letter and 
its sentiments from Bishop McFaul iig 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

The priest again shows his unselfish spirit. He refuses to accept 
a purse from his people and admiring friends when he 
thought they could ill afford to contribute after the strike 125 

CHAPTER XIX. 

Death of Father Phillips. The sad ending of a brilliant life. 
The announcement of the finding of his dead body shocks 
the country 132 

CHAPTER XX. 

The funeral. Impressive ceremonies in St. John's Church, 
Pittston. The burial spot 140 



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